INTER MIAMI and a rested Lionel Messi continue their MLS season with a visit from Atlanta United on Thursday.
The Florida giants caused plenty of controversy at the weekend when manager Gerardo Martino was forced to defend the decision to rest Lionel Messi, Luis Surrez and Sergio Busquets for their trip to Canada on Sunday to face Vancouver Whitecaps.
In what must be a first, the Whitecaps put out a statement basically complaining about the omission of their star men of the opposition. Perhaps Messi and co. just didn't fancy meeting Vancouver's Scottish ace Ryan Gauld, once dubbed the ‘New Messi!'
In the end, Gauld did score from the penalty spot, but it was a case of no Messi, no problem for Miami as they won 2-1, thanks to goals from Robert Taylor and Leo Campana
They have now won seven of their last eight games and drawn the other one and are flying.
They welcome Gonzalo Pineda's side who were also in weekend action when they lost 1-0 to Los Angeles FC with keeper Brad Guzan sent off.
That's extended their winless run to nine games although they have drawn four games in that spell.
How the bookies view it: Miami made men
Inter Miami are solid 3/5 favourites here with the visitors 15/4 outsiders and the draw 18/5.
Recent head to heads: Home sweet home
It was a home win apiece last season and interestingly home advantage has counted here for the past six meetings between the teams.
Players to watch: Messi the man
Lionel Messi should be raring to go here after that surprise rest at the weekend. The Argentinian genius has already scored 11 goals in his 13 starts for the club, although he's actually gone two games without scoring. You would expect him to change that and he is odds-on at 8/11 to score anytime with bet365.
Atlanta will hope for more from Brad Guzan, with the on loan Mexican striker from Guadalajara only scoring one goal so far. He is 11/4 to double that.
Predicted line-ups:
It's expected that Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Sergio Busquets will all be back fit for the visit of Atlanta. However, Shanyder Borgelin, Diego Gomez, Federico Redondo, Robbie Robinson, Facundo Farias and Ian Fray are all expected to be out for the hosts.
Former Celtic striker Giorgos Giakoumakis has been missing with a hamstring injury and keeper Brad Guzan will be suspended.
Inter Miami: Callender, Weigandt, Aviles, Freire, Alba, Gressel, Busquets, Ruiz, Campana, Messi, Suarez.
Atlanta United: Cohen, Lennon, Cobb, Gregersen, Hernandez, Muyumba, Firmino, Slisz, Lobzhanidze, Rios, Wiley.
Anything else catch the eye?
Inter Miami look sure things to continue their recent good run at their Fort Lauderdale fortress against their seriously out-of-form visitors.
Atlanta have netted just one goal in their last three games and appear to be missing Giakoumakis badly. Back Inter Miami to win to nil at an excellent 12/5 with bet365.
Inter Miami have rattled in ten goals in their last three games and look a decent shout to score three or more team goals at 11/8 with bet365, especially with their rested stars back and raring to go.
This MLS match between Inter Miami and Atlanta United will be played on May 30, 2024 and kick off at 00:30. Check below for our tipsters best Inter Miami vs Atlanta United prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
