Inter Miami begin their campaign in the CONCACAF Leagues Cup when they host Atlas in a first-round clash. The MLS side have been solid lately, especially at home, while the Mexicans are slightly erratic on their travels.
Inter Miami have been solid enough this season and are currently fifth in the MLS Western Conference. Javier Mascherano's men are unbeaten in five of their last six matches in all competitions, playing out a 0-0 home draw with FC Cincinnati in their previous fixture.
Home form has been pivotal for Inter Miami this season, having gone unbeaten in three of their last four matches at Chase Stadium. Among their results in that run is a 5-1 victory over Columbus Crew.
Atlas travel to Miami off the back of a 3-1 defeat at Monterrey in a Liga MX fixture last weekend. That result is part of a rough patch for the visitors, who are winless in three of their last four matches in the league.
Gonzalo Pineda's men also find things difficult on their travels and are winless in seven of their last 10 away matches. One of their issues is a vulnerable backline that has failed to keep a clean sheet in their last five matches.
How the bookies view it: Miami overwhelming favourites
Inter Miami have the upper hand among the bookies and are priced 2/5 by BoyleSports. A victory for Atlas is valued at 15/4 while a draw is set at 10/3.
Head to head: No previous meetings
This will be the first-ever meeting between Inter Miami and Atlas.
Players to watch: Magical Messi
Lionel Messi is having a prolific campaign for Inter Miami and comes into this clash with 18 MLS goals. He often has support from Luis Suarez, and both men can produce over 1.5 goals – valued at 2/5 with BoyleSports.
Uros Djurdjevic was on target in the defeat to Monterrey and could be the one to watch for Atlas. Diego Gonzalez is also expected to feature in attack, and both men can help the visitors produce over 0.5 goals – priced at 4/9.
Probable line-ups:
Messi served a suspension in the draw with Cincinnati and should return to the starting line-up for this one. Tadeo Allende is expected to feature in attack while Tomas Aviles is set to continue at the back.
Victor Rios is currently sidelined with an injury and will miss out for Atlas. Djurdjevic should lead the line once again, and Gaddi Aguirre is expected to retain his spot at the heart of the defence.
Inter Miami: Rios, Cremaschi, Lujan, Aviles, Weigandt, Segovia, Busquets, Redondo, Allende, Messi, Suarez
Atlas: Vargas, Pier, Aguirre, Matheus, Gustavo, Hernandez, Rocha, Lozano, Aguirre, Gonzalez, Djurdjevic
Anything else catch the eye?
Monterrey’s last three matches have produced over 3.5 goals – offered at 23/20 with BoyleSports. Two of Inter Miami's last three matches have produced over 1.5 goals in the first half (First half over 1.5 goals – available at 23/20).
Inter Miami are priced at minimal odds for a straight victory and given their vulnerable defence, a win and both teams to score could offer more value (Inter Miami win & BTTS YES – priced at 13/8).
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