FRESH from their disappointing defeat in Cincinnati, Inter Miami will be targeting a swift return to winning ways as they host Toronto in an Eastern Conference clash. Miami often do some good work at home and should be too strong for Toronto, who are woeful on their travels.
Inter Miami were far from their best last time out in the MLS as they were hammered 6-1 at Cincinnati. Serhii Kryvstov struck what turned out to be a consolation early in the first half as they suffered a defensive capitulation.
That was Inter Miami's first defeat after four straight wins and manager Gerardo Martino will consider it a minor blip. They are returning to Chase Stadium, which has tasted just one defeat in the last seven matches, although there has also been just one clean sheet in that run.
Toronto were victorious in their previous MLS fixture as they travel to Miami off the back of a 2-1 win over Philadelphia Union. They fought back from a goal down with Deandre Kerr netting the winner.
That was the first win after eight straight defeats for Toronto, who have struggled in recent weeks. John Herdman’s men are also winless in their last seven away matches across all competitions, losing the last four in that run.
How the bookies view it: Smooth ride for Miami
Inter Miami have been installed as overwhelming favourites among the bookies with a home win priced at 4/6 by Betfred. A victory for Toronto is valued at 100/30 while a draw is set at odds of 11/4.
Head to head: Miami always prevail
Inter Miami have a 6-2 advantage from eight previous matches against Toronto. Miami claimed a 4-0 victory in the last meeting between both sides with Robert Taylor netting a brace.
Players to watch: Look out for Campana
In the absence of Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, Leonardo Campana will be the one to watch for Inter Miami. The forward has five goals this season and is priced at 6/5 by Betfred to find the net on Thursday.
Federico Bernadeschi is the leading scorer for Toronto with eight MLS goals this season and could be worth keeping an eye on. The attacker is priced at 21/10 by Betfred to get on the score sheet on Thursday.
Probable line-ups
Inter Miami are likely to be without Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, who just ended their Copa America campaign. Sergio Busquets is suspended following a red card last time out, with Noah Allen likely to be given a start.
Toronto are unlikely to make too many changes to the team after ending a seven match losing run last time out. However Lorenzo Insigne could be pushing for a start after coming off the bench at half time.
Inter Miami: Callender, Weigandt, Kryvtsov, Allen, Negri, Redondo, Bright, Cremaschi, Gressel, Taylor, Campana
Toronto: Johnson, Gomis, Long, Rosted, Marshall-Rutty, Longstaff, Thompson, Bernardeschi, Insigne, Etienne, Owusu
Anything else catch the eye?
Inter Miami have been dominant in recent meetings with Toronto and could be backed in the -1 handicap at 9/5 by Betfred. Given their attacking quality, they could also be tipped to score in both halves at 11/8 with Betfred.
Inter Miami won both halves in the last meeting with Toronto and could be set for a similar pattern at 100/30 with Betfred.
This MLS match between Inter Miami and Toronto will be played on Jul 18, 2024 and kick off at 00:30. Check below for our tipsters best Inter Miami vs Toronto prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
