The new edition of the Leagues Cup is about to begin, and expectations are growing among MLS clubs, Liga MX, and fans alike as we are about to see if the North American teams can lift the trophy for the first time in the competition’s history. Let’s remember that Liga MX has won the first two editions, and they aspire to win for the third time in a row.
However, there is no doubt that one of the main ingredients in this tournament will be Inter Miami, a team that, although they are currently in last place in their conference in the MLS, will now have in their ranks the Argentinean star, Lionel Messi. Moreover, this is not all, as his former FC Barcelona teammate and personal friend, Sergio Busquet, will also be part of the team’s squad.
As a result, we expect a tournament full of emotions from start to finish, with all the clubs giving their best to win every single match.
In addition, it is also worth mentioning that this is a violent tournament, as it is less than a month long, and the teams will have to play very close together. As a result, there will not be the usual breaks, and each match is of utmost importance.
Now, just three days before the tournament starts, we will give you a preview of the best games on matchday 1 of the Leagues Cup 2023.
Leagues Cup 2023 Matchday 1 – Preview – Inter Miami vs. Cruz Azul
When:
Friday, July 21 at 08:00 PM ET at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Moneyline odds:
Inter Miami +108
Cruz Azul +230
Draw:
+240
Where Can I Watch it?
MLS Pass on Apple TV, VIX+, and TUDN
As previously mentioned, the main ingredient of this tournament will be Lionel Messi’s debut with Inter Miami. As a result, Messi’s debut with his new team will be next Friday, July 21, 2023, when Inter Miami hosts Cruz Azul at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, at 08:00 PM ET.
Undoubtedly, it will be an extremely important match for both teams. Inter will have the Argentinean star in their ranks to make his debut, while Cruz Azul needs to make a 180° turnaround, as their start in the Mexican tournament has been disappointing.
Inter Miami comes into the Leagues Cup 2023 as one of the worst teams in the MSL, as they are currently in last place in the Eastern Conference with a record of 5 wins, 3 draws, and 14 losses. However, with the arrival of Messi and Busquet, the team may have a revival and have a memorable close to the season. Also, it is worth mentioning that they come into this match after losing to St. Louis City SC by 0-3.
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On the other hand, Cruz Azul, one of the most popular teams in Liga MX, at the start of Torneo Apertura 2023 in Liga MX is showing many flaws in the game. It is in the last position of the general classification table with three defeats in three games played. In addition, the team has only managed to score 1 goal so far in the tournament, so we already know where the team’s problems lie. Finally, they enter this Leagues Cup opener after losing 1-2 to Tijuana.
We expect a very intense and exciting match, with both teams trying to show their best version of their game. However, with the addition of Lionel Messi to Inter Miami, everything will change for the team, so our prediction is a 2-0 victory for them.
Inter Miami vs. Cruz Azul Betting Pick: Inter Miami
Leagues Cup 2023 Matchday 1 – Preview – NYC FC vs. Atlas
When:
Sunday, July 23 at 07:00 PM ET at Citi Field
Moneyline odds:
NYC FC -106
Atlas +260
Draw: +245
Where Can I Watch it?
MLS Pass on Apple TV, VIX+, and TUDN
NYC FC is playing, for now, a disappointing season, as they have failed to display the level of play that led them to be MLS champions in previous editions. However, everything can change, and this season’s break for the Leagues Cup can make the team make a 180° turnaround to their situation.
The Citizens are currently ranked #13 in the MLS Eastern Conference with a terrible record of 5 wins, 11 draws, and 8 losses. In addition, the team needs to wake up offensively to start climbing the table. The New York team comes into this match after suffering a loss against Philadelphia Union in the last MLS matchday, scoring 1-2.
On the other hand, we have Atlas, another of the great Mexican teams fighting in recent seasons to be at the top of Liga MX. The Rojinegros are in seventh place in the overall standings of the Apertura 2023 Liga MX Tournament with a 1-1-1 record. The team got off to a good start in the tournament, but there is still a lot to work on, considering that they have only played three games.
Finally, Atlas comes into this match after a 0-0 draw against Santos Laguna in the third round of the Apertura 2023 Liga MX Tournament.
For this match, we have that Atlas will try to give a blow on the table on North American soil, while NYC FC will try to respect its home condition. However, we expect the New Yorkers to take a step forward and win the match 1-0.
NYC FC vs. Atlas Betting Pick: NYC FC
Leagues Cup 2023 Matchday 1 – Preview – Pumas vs. Montreal
When:
Saturday, July 22 at 07:30 PM ET at Saputo Stadium
Moneyline odds:
Montreal +123
Pumas +210
Draw:
+225
Where Can I Watch it?
MLS Pass on Apple TV, VIX+, and TUDN
Pumas is one of the Liga MX teams with the best start in the Apertura 2023. Although they have two draws in their three games, the Felines are in fourth place in the standings, just two points behind second-place Monterrey. UNAM comes into this match after a 1-1 draw against Pachuca in the third round of Liga MX.
On the other hand, we have Montreal, another MLS Eastern Conference team that has failed to have a good 2023 MLS season. However, like NYC FC, this “break” from MLS can help them to evaluate their mistakes and turn their situation around for the rest of the season.
Montreal currently sits tenth in the MLS Eastern Conference with a 9-2-12 record. However, the team is very close to the Chicago Fire and DC United, so they know they still have a good chance to move up the standings. In this Leagues Cup, the team is looking to be at their best for international success. The Canadians enter this match after an excellent 2-0 win over Charlotte FC.
While it is true that Pumas may have an advantage by being undefeated so far in the Liga MX, playing at home gives Montreal the label of favorites. Therefore, our prediction is a 1-0 victory for them.
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