Inter Miami welcome Necaxa to Chase Stadium for their second match in the CONCACAF Leagues Cup. A thrilling contest is expected, with both teams looking to build on wins in their opening fixtures.
Inter Miami began their campaign in the competition with a 2-1 victory over Atlas. They looked to be headed for a draw after Telasco Segovia’s opener was cancelled out by the hosts, but Marcelo Weigandt netted the winner deep into injury time.
That result means Inter Miami are now unbeaten in five of their last six matches in all competitions. Javier Mascherano's men are also unbeaten in their last five home matches, but often struggle to maintain their discipline at the back, failing to keep a clean sheet four times on this run.
Necaxa also began their campaign with a win, easing to a 3-1 victory over Atlanta United. Tomas Badaloni netted a second-half brace after Brad Guzan ‘s early own-goal had set them on their way.
That was only the third win in 10 matches for Necaxa, who have found things difficult lately. Fernando Gago’s men are also winless in three of their last four away matches in all competitions.
How the bookies view it: Miami on top
Inter Miami have been installed as overwhelming favourites among the bookies and are priced at 1/2 by BoyleSports to earn a home win. A victory for Necaxa is valued at 10/3 while a draw is set at odds of 16/5.
Head to head: No previous meetings
This will be the first-ever meeting between Inter Miami and Necaxa.
Players to watch: Messi to star again
Lionel Messi has 18 MLS goals this season and got the assists for the two goals against Atlas. With the likes of Segovia and Luis Suarez also featuring in attack, the hosts can score over 1.5 goals – priced at 4/9 with BoyleSports.
Badaloni could be worth keeping an eye on for Necaxa after netting a brace last time out. He should have support from Raul Sanchez, and both men can produce over 0.5 goals – valued at 4/11.
Probable line-ups:
Ian Fray and Baltasar Rodriguez remain sidelined for Inter Miami and will miss this clash. Messi and Suarez should feature in attack while Gonzalo Lujan is set to continue at the back.
Badaloni could earn a start in this one after netting a brace off the bench against Atlanta United. Alejandro Andrade should feature in midfield while Tomas Jacob is expected to continue in defence.
Inter Miami: Rios, Weigandt, Falcon, Lujan, Alba, Allende, de Paul, Busquets, Segovia, Messi, Suarez.
Necaxa: Unsain, Calderon, Jacob, Martinez, Perez, Andrade, De Buen, Palavecino, Rosero, Sanchez, Badaloni
Anything else catch the eye?
Both teams have scored in four of Inter Miami’s last five home matches (BTTS YES – set at odds of 4/7 with BoyleSports). The MLS side have also won the first half in four of their last seven matches in all competitions (Inter Miami halftime win – offered at 21/20).
Inter Miami are priced at minimal odds for a straight victory, so a win and over 2.5 goals offers more value (Inter Miami win & over 2.5 goals – available at 11/10). Necaxa’s last five matches have produced over 1.5 goals in the first half (First half over 1.5 goals – priced at 6/5).
GambleAware