MLS: LA FC vs. Inter Miami Preview, Odds, Predictions, Picks

There isn’t a bigger MLS game this weekend than the one between LA FC and Inter Miami. The champions from Los Angeles host the recent Leagues Cup winners, led by Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets. After New York, the fans in LA will have a chance to see arguably the greatest player of all time. It is one hell of a spectacle. And you know how bombastic spectacles can be in this city. 

Preview

LA FC (+110) oscillates a lot these days but is still near the top spot in the West. With a game in hand, the champs have seven points fewer than St. Louis City and are still in contention for taking that position. 

However, we have to admit that the Black and Gold have been much less confident than throughout the previous year, which is reasonable in a way. The championship hangover is still present, and there were some changes on the roster, the most notable being Gareth Bales’ departure. 

FC lost this Wednesday in Charlotte, 2-1, after beating the Colorado Rapids at home the previous weekend, 4-0. Counting in the games in the Leagues Cup, the past five, this crew had ended with over 2.5 goals. Three of the latest four MLS contests in LA have been with the same efficiency.

Inter Miami (+225) failed to win its 10th consecutive event. They played without goals at home against Nashville SC, the team whom they defeated in the Leagues Cup finals after the penalties. It was once again a very tough battle in which Inter had the initiative but without result.

For what is worth, the good news here is that Inter’s defense didn’t allow a goal for the second straight event after keeping clean sheets against the New York Red Bulls on the road. 

Miami is still the most dangerous team in the MLS, despite this last event. Messi creates such a big difference, and besides him, Sergio Busquets organizes the midfield. So it’s no wonder that the Herons have average more than two goals since their debut. 

Latest News

Apart from Diego Palacios, the LA FC has no trouble with injured or suspended players.

Ian Fray, Franco Negri, Corentin Jean and Gregore are out for Inter. They’ve been on the injury list for quite some time.

Head to Head Games

The two units met only twice in history, in 2020, when LA FC won at home, and during the previous season, when the team from Los Angeles faced Herons in Miami and managed to beat them 0-2. 

Predictions

LA FC is the favorite, but when you have Messi on the other side, those numbers don’t mean a thing. We won’t bet on the full-time result nor pick the winner but go straight for goals. LA FC plays interesting and efficient football, the same as Inter, who has become a nightmare for the rivals’ defenses in recent times. All in all, we should see at least three goals here, with both sides contributing. There is too much offensive power among these units to bet on anything else. This pick is valued at -115.

Pick: Both teams to score and over 2.5 goals -115