Prediction: Inter Miami vs Atlanta United

Verdict: Inter Miami win

Best Odds: 8/15

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

Looking to extend on their MLS purple patch, Inter Miami will welcome Atlanta United to Fort Lauderdale in the early hours of Thursday.

Inter Miami

Starting with the hosts, while Inter Miami might have eventually missed out on the chance to secure a play-off ticket last season, the Herons are pencilled in as a landslide Eastern Conference contender this time around. Bursting their way to superstardom and now regarded as the new poster boy of the MLS, Gerardo Martino’s men find the mood in their camp at a red-hot high. Last seen over the weekend claiming a deserved 2-1 victory away at Vancouver, the former Barcelona boss has seen his superstar squad gain a fearsome reputation. Opening May with a stunning 6-2 romp at home against the New York Red Bulls, Inter Miami have collected 22 points from just their last eight MLS appearances – a purple patch that stems all the way back to a 2-2 stalemate against Colorado on April 7th.

Team News

While the all-star duo of Luis Suarez and eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi might have missed out away at Vancouver over the weekend, both are expected to make a full return here. Likewise, former Barcelona superstar Sergio Busquets will also feature in the early hours on Thursday and start at the heart of Miami’s midfield.

However, both still dealing with respective injury issues, the likes of Diego Gomez, Facundo Farias and USA international Robbie Robinson will not play any part in Fort Lauderdale.

Atlanta United

As for the visitors, although Atlanta might have eventually extended on their US Open Cup adventure earlier in the month as they edged past USL outfit Charleston, the Five Stripes have continued to show a string of issues since opening up the 2024 campaign. Last seen over the weekend putting in another toothless performance as they slumped to a 1-0 loss at home against Los Angeles, Gonzalo Pineda has found some increasing pressure on his shoulders. Facing a real uphill battle in their bid to punch another play-off ticket this season, Atlanta have failed to muster a single win from any of their previous nine MLS appearances. With that extended rut stemming all the way back to March 31st, Thursday’s guests will be more than aware that they face another monumental challenge in Fort Lauderdale.

Team News

Shown a second-half red card at home against Los Angeles over the weekend, former Aston Villa goalkeeper Brad Guzan will be forced to miss out through suspension here. Likewise, dealing with a recent knock and missing all of Atalanta’s last three appearances, Pineda’s side are once again sweating over the fitness of attacking talisman Giorgos Giakoumakis.

Although Daniel Rios might have notched just a single strike from any of his first nine MLS appearances this season, the former Nashville striker should keep his spot leading Atlanta’s attack in Fort Lauderdale.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Inter Miami last welcomed Atlanta to Fort Lauderdale last season for a Leagues Cup showdown, the Herons stormed their way to a 4-0 romp.
• Inter Miami have collected 22 points from just their previous eight MLS appearances.
• Atlanta have failed to record a single victory from any of their last nine straight MLS outings.
• The Herons have won all of their last three showdowns in Fort Lauderdale by an aggregate score of 10-3.
• Atlanta have failed to record a single MLS victory on their travels since opening up the 2024 campaign.

Conclusion

Already leading the chase at the top of the Eastern Conference table, Inter Milan will certainly be smelling the chance to make another statement here. Collecting 22 points from their previous eight MLS appearances, the Herons are rightfully pencilled in as a standout contender here. Meeting an Atlanta squad that have failed to muster a single victory from any of their last nine consecutive MLS appearances, Inter Miami will also be excited by a rampant record on home soil. Likewise, claiming a 4-0 romp when they welcomed the Five Stripes to town last season for a Leagues Cup showdown, we are expecting a similar home win here.

Verdict: Inter Miami win

Best Odds: 8/15

Bookmaker: Olympusbet