The third and final game of MLS Play-Offs Round One sees these two heavyweights locked at one win apiece thanks to Xande Silva’s 94th-minute rocket for Atlanta in game two.
It’s a winner-take-all match-up, with the victors taking up a semi-final berth against either Orlando or Charlotte.
In the first game of the series, Inter took the spoils (2-1) thanks to a wonderful Jordi Alba goal and another from ex-Barça colleague Luis Suarez.
The return saw the 2-1 scoreline reversed, thanks to Derrick Williams’ opener and Silva’s epic winner. It was the difference in the tightest of matches at Mercedes Benz Stadium.
Inter still has five players unavailable for selection, whilst Sergio Busquets was a big miss with illness last time out. The Spaniard should return for the host’s most important game of the season.
Inter Miami Overwhelming Betting Favorites
With the hosts likely to be as near to full strength as possible, they are overwhelming favorites to win this one. In a one-off must-win game, Atlanta can’t be discounted, but even at +580 the odds look generous.
| Inter Miami | Draw | Atlanta United |
|---|---|---|
| -237 | +400 | +580 |
Head-to-Head: Nothing to Choose Between Sides
| Total | Inter Miami | Atlanta United | Draws | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Games | 16 | 6 | 6 | 4 |
| MLS Games | 15 | 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Goals | 47 | 23 | 24 |
Key Stats
- Inter Miami’s regular season points haul of 74 was a new MLS record, beating the Revolution’s 2021 mark of 73 points.
- The last time Inter Miami failed to score in a match was on May 16, 2024, in a goalless draw at Orlando.
- Atlanta have scored in every away fixture since August 25, 2024, when they went down 2-0 at LA Galaxy.
- In the 16 total meetings between the teams, the away team has been victorious on only two occasions.
- The last five matches between the teams have seen Inter Miami win just once.
Inter Miami Team News
After struggling with illness and missing the last match, Sergio Busquets is set to return to Inter’s midfield. David Ruiz is set to miss out after his hamstring injury.
Possible Lineup:
Drake Callender (GK); David Martinez, Noah Allen, Tomas Aviles, Jordi Alba, Yannick Bright, Federico Redondo, Marcelo Wiegandt, Diego Gomez, Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi.
Atlanta United Team News
This match comes just a little too quickly for Edwin Mosquera and Brooks Lennon. Manager, Rob Valentino, will know doubts persist over both Quentin Westberg and Stian Gregersen, with the centre-back likely to be on the bench again.
Possible Lineup:
Brad Guzan (GK); Luis Abram, Derrick Williams, Ronald Hernandez, Pedro Amador, Ajani Fortune, Dax McCarty, Bartosz Slisz, Saba Lobjanidze, Jamal Thiare, Aleksei Miranchuk.
Inter Miami vs. Atlanta United Prediction
It’ll be another tight game between two of MLS’ best teams, but home advantage could be key for Inter Miami. Atlanta will take heart from forcing a third game with their never-say-die attitude.
There’s likely to be the odd goal in it once more, and expect both teams to score in an entertaining end-to-end encounter.
-
Tags:
Leave a Comment