We are just days away from the new MLS season kicking off, and all eyes will be on the reigning champions, Columbus Crew, as they look to defend their championship title. Led by Wilfried Nancy and a squad loaded with talented players, the Crew will be a force to reckon with. However, they will face stiff competition from some extraordinary opponents, with Inter Miami emerging as their main contenders.
Inter Miami’s acquisition of Uruguayan star Luis Suarez to play alongside his close friend Leo Messi up front has sent shockwaves through the league. The duo should wreak havoc on opposing defenses, and the rest of MLS will have to find ways to contain their lethal partnership.
In addition to Inter Miami, other teams to watch out for this season include LAFC and St. Louis SC. LAFC has been a powerhouse in recent years, reaching the final in the last two seasons, winning once. Meanwhile, St. Louis SC, a newcomer to MLS, has quickly made a name for itself.
When and Where?
Wednesday, February 21, 8:00 pm ET at the DRV PNK Stadium
Moneyline odds:Â
Inter Miami 1.59Â
Real Salt Lake 5.00
Draw Offs:Â
4.46
Where to watch?
MLS Pass on Apple TV
Why Bet on Inter Miami?
There is no doubt that Inter Miami starts as one of the favorites to be champions in this 2024 MLS season. David Beckham, the team’s owner, has managed to put together a solid squad that, although failed to qualify for the playoffs last season, was able to win the 2023 Leagues Cup.
Now, the team still searching for its best level, faces this new MLS season with the mission to sweep all competition and be the champions.
Inter had a somewhat irregular preseason, as they drew 0-0 against the national team of El Salvador, lost 0-1 against FC Dallas, and lost 3-4 and 0-6 in their tour of Saudi Arabia against Al Hilal and Al-Nassr, respectively. Then, on their tour of Japan, they beat Hong Kong XI 4-1 and lost on penalties to Vissel Kobe. Finally, they drew 1-1 against Newell’s in their most recent match.
Why Bet on Real Salt Lake?
On the other hand, Real Salt Lake comes from a good season, where they managed to sneak into the playoffs after finishing fifth in the MLS Western Conference.
However, the team’s joy was short-lived, as they lost at the first time of asking to the Houston Dynamo. Recall that, last season, a BO3 format was implemented in the first round of the MLS Playoffs.
The Dynamo won the first match 2-1, then they tied 1-1 in the second (with Real Salt Lake winning 5-4 on penalty kicks), to finally tie again 1-1, but this time it was Houston who took the victory 4-3 on penalty kicks.
Real Salt Lake’s last preseason match was a 1-1 draw against Toronto on February 14, 2024. Now, the team wants to show its best level at the beginning of the season to fight for the top of the MLS Western Conference.
Final Betting Analysis:Â Inter Miami vs. Real Salt Lake
This will be the first time these teams will meet in MLS, surprisingly. Let’s remember that Inter Miami belongs to the league since the 2020 season. The schedules are random, and clubs don’t play against every team in each tournament.
At Gambyl Exchange, we can see that there is a Moneyline that favors Inter Miami at 1.59, while Real Salt Lake starts at 5.00.
The locals had a hard time in the preseason and looked unstable, but we saw last season that, when in form, they can beat almost any team in North America. When Messi arrived last tournament, it was too forceful already to battle for the playoffs, as they were the worst team in the league till the transfer market arrivals came. In that sense, they now must be protagonists and will kickstart their quest with a win over RSL by 3-1.
Look for a win for Inter Miami’s Moneyline. If you put $100 on them at 1.59, you’ll see a $59.00 win with a total payout of $159.00.
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