The MLS Eastern Conference can have a new leader, but Inter Miami will do all in its power to avoid it by trying to beat DC United.
The Herons come from another poor result without Messi on the field, as they got a 0-0 draw with Florida rivals Orlando City, letting Cincinnati cut the advantage to only one point with a game less.
The capital team has had a decent season by its recent standards but got steamrolled in their last match against NY Red Bulls by 1-4.
When and Where?
Saturday, May 18, 7:30 pm ET at the DRV PNK Stadium
Moneyline odds:Â
Inter Miami 1.62Â
DC United 4.80
Draw Offs:Â
4.45
Where can I watch it?
MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
Why Bet on Inter Miami?
The leaders were enjoying a three-point advantage for some weeks. However, the aforementioned draw slowed their pace. It’s a worrying matter that this team doesn’t know how to win without Messi on the pitch, a 36-year-old injury-prone player.
Their record shows eight wins, four draws, and two losses. It’s positive, but they have played one more game than most teams, so distances could be cut short quickly. Cincinnati is hot on their heels, and the previous Supporters’ Shield winners are more experienced in this kind of situation, apart from the fact that they don’t depend on a single player. That last detail could be key in a long league season.
Whatever the case, what matters is the performance in the MLS Cup, and with Messi available, we know that the Herons are practically unstoppable.
Since suffering a 3-2 defeat at home to CF Montreal in March, Inter is unbeaten in its last four league contests at Chase Stadium, winning the previous two by a combined margin of 9-3.
Why Bet on DC United?
The visitors for this clash are DC United, who are currently in 8th place on the scoreboard. Their record is four wins, five draws, and four losses in their campaign. However, as said before, they come from a beatdown at the hands of the NY Red Bulls.
The Black and Red continue to struggle at home, dropping points in three of their last four encounters at Audi Field this week. That leaves them down to eighth in the Eastern Conference table, just three points above Nashville SC, who are on the outside of the playoff picture.
Troy Lesesne’s men have struggled defensively lately, conceding multiple strikes in five of their last six MLS games. They already allowed 23 goals to this stage of the season, tied for the second-most in the Eastern Conference.
Final Betting Analysis:Â Inter Miami vs. DC United
If Messi cannot go as anticipated, the Herons could have difficulty creating some dangerous scoring opportunities, as we saw in their midweek affair.
Whether he plays or not, Miami has not proven to be consistently strong at the back, and they will be facing one of the deadliest strikers in the MLS in Christian Benteke, who we believe might make the difference for the visitors.
We think Inter Miami will struggle, but they will find the victory at home by a small margin. We’ll go for a 3-2.
Go for a victory for the locals at 1.62. If you bet $100 at such odds, you could get $62 for a total payout of $162.
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