INTER MIAMI are looking to snap a two match winless home run as they host Columbus Crew in an Eastern Conference MLS fixture. While Columbus have shown some quality lately, Miami remain the team to beat in the East and should have the edge in a closely fought encounter.
A 2-1 victory at Philadelphia Union last time out means Inter Miami remain top of the Eastern Conference. Gerardo Martino’s men are now unbeaten in nine of their last 10 matches, claiming seven wins in that run.
Inter Miami are targeting a return to winning ways at home having failed to secure a victory in their last two matches at Chase Stadium. However, a closer look at their results shows they have lost just once in their last six home matches, although there has been only one clean sheet in that run.
Columbus Crew travel to Chase Stadium off the back of a 3-2 victory at New York City in their previous fixture. They fought back from behind with Christian Ramirez, Juan Camilo Hernandez and Mohamed Farsi getting the goals.
Wilfried Nancy’s men have been on the road lately, where they have won their last four matches. However, like their hosts, they often struggle to maintain their defensive discipline, keeping just one clean sheet in their last six away matches.
How the bookies view it: Miami considered favourites
Inter Miami have been installed as favourites among the bookies and are priced at 6/5 by bet365 to claim the win. A victory for Columbus Crew is valued at 2/1 while a draw is set at odds of 11/4.
Head to head: Evenly matched rivals
Inter Miami have a 3-2 advantage with two draws from seven previous matches against Columbus Crew. However, Miami have claimed two wins from the last three meetings, with the most recent clash ending in a 2-2 draw last July.
Players to watch: Alfonso worth a look
Leo Alfonso showed he can step up in the absence of Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez by netting the winner for Inter Miami last time out. The forward could be worth keeping an eye on at 11/5 by bet365.
Juan Camilo Hernandez often carries the attacking threat for Columbus Crew and has scored five goals this season. The forward was on target last time out and is priced at 11/10 with bet365.
Probable line-ups
Inter Miami will be without Tomas Aviles and David Ruiz, who were both sent off in Philadelphia while Messi and Suarez are still on international duty. Leo Alfonso could be in line to start on Thursday after scoring off the bench last time out.
Columbus Crew are not expected to make too many changes and could retain the same team that won at New York City
Inter Miami: Callender, Weigandt, Sailor, Alba, Busquets, Cremaschi, Gressel, Taylor, Campana, Alfonso
Columbus Crew: Schulte, Cheberko, Camacho, Amundsen, Farsi, Zawadski, Nagbe, Arfsten, Ramirez, Rossi, Hernandez
Anything else catch the eye?
Inter Miami saw over 4.5 goals in their precious home fixture and a repeat is priced at 11/4 by bet365. The last meeting with Columbus Crew produced over 3.5 goals, which is valued at 11/10 by bet365.
Having found the net in both halves in their previous home fixture, Inter Miami could be set for a similar pattern at 13/8 with bet365.
This MLS match between Inter Miami and Columbus Crew will be played on Jun 20, 2024 and kick off at 00:30. Check below for our tipsters best Inter Miami vs Columbus Crew prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
