Having reached the final four of the Leagues Cup through a confident mid-week performance, Inter Miami set out on a trip to Audi Field in Washington, to face the weakest side in the Eastern Conference.
A few months ago, DC United seemed like they were cooking something, but now they appear to be closer to the trenches than the kitchen. The Eagles last won an MLS match in early June, having lost in nine of the last 11 rounds (D2). DC are last in the Eastern Conference, with the fewest goals scored and the most conceded (23:52).
Meanwhile, Inter Miami are in a prime position to attack the top positions in the table. The Herons trail FC Cincinnati by seven points but have three games in hand. This means that winning all three postponed games will put them right on top with points to spare. But Javier Mascherano will undoubtedly be forced to make some rotations, as playing twice a week is not an easy job.
How the bookies view it: Away advantage, as usual
The best part about the MLS is that bookies always give good odds, even if one of the teams is a heavy favourite like Inter Miami. And while DC United are underdogs, you can pick them at 5/2. Next up, the draw has been estimated at around 3/1, and you can pick the Herons at 9/10.
Recent head to head: Inter Miami back-to-back
DC United and Inter Miami have met in nine competitive fixtures since 2020 and the H2H record can surprise you. The Eagles kicked off this rivalry with four wins in a row and generally have the all time lead with five wins to three. But Inter also won back-to-back last year, marking a shift in the powers in this rivalry.
Players to watch: How do you stop Luis Suarez?
Messi's numbers this season have been world class but his involvement has not been confirmed yet. And when this happens, we all turn our attention to Luis Suarez. The Uruguaian has been carrying Inter Miami on his back in the Leagues Cup, with three goals and two assists in the last two matches. He also scored in back-to-back matches and will be under the spotlight again if his legendary teammate remains sidelined.
Probable line-ups
DC United: Barraza, Antley, Macnaughton, Rowles, Schnegg, Hopkins, Pltola, Servania, Herrera, Pirani, Benteke
Inter Miami: Ustari, Allen, Lujan, Falcon, Weigandt, Busquets, Cremaschi, Segovia, Allende, Suarez, Picault
Anything else catch the eye?
Life is easier when you have Messi on the pitch but even without him, beating DC should be a walk in the park for this Inter Miami side. The joint-top scoring side meets the MLS' worst defence and we expect to see a good number of goals. The Herons have not exactly been watertight defensively either, but their performance up front has been outstanding.
With this said, we expect DC United to also find the net at least once in this match. But it will also not be enough to stop the Herons from winning three easy points ahead of their huge Leagues Cup match. Let's take advantage of the odds and back the visitors.
GambleAware