Verdict: Inter Miami win
Best Odds: 2/5
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
Marking their return from March’s international break in the early hours of Sunday, Inter Miami will welcome Austin to Florida this weekend.
Inter Miami
Starting with the hosts, after relinquishing their MLS crown last season, Inter Miami have made their expectations clear this time around. Last seen heading into March’s international break with an action-packed 3-2 victory away at New York City, Javier Mascherano’s side have plenty of pressure on their shoulders in 2026. Suffering Champions Cup heartbreak at the hands of Nashville last month and coming under a huge amount of scrutiny, the Herons will now have their sole focus on MLS duties. Getting the new campaign underway with a woeful 3-0 drumming against Los Angeles on February 22nd, Inter Miami are also searching for some much-welcomed defensive steel. Mustering just a single MLS clean sheet so far this season, the American giants will be desperate to pounce on a golden opportunity this weekend.
Inter Miami Team News
Struggling to find his feet since arriving back in January, former Tottenham defender Sergio Reguillon is still recovering from a reported muscle issue. However, making a speedy return after missing out against New York City prior to March’s international break, Rodrigo de Paul should make a full return.
Already notching four MLS strikes in as many appearances so far this season, eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi will spearhead Inter Miami’s charge in the final third and will be looking to extend on his stellar start to proceedings.
Austin FC
As for the visitors, watching their MLS play-off adventure come to a thumping end last season as they slumped to a 6-2 aggregate defeat against Los Angeles, Austin have continued to show some glaring issues since opening up the new campaign. Mustering just a single victory from any of their first five MLS appearances this year, Nico Estevez’s side mark their return from March’s fortnight interval this weekend bracing themselves for a monumental challenge in Florida. With their downbeat start to proceedings underlined by a routine 3-1 loss at the hands of Charlotte last month, Austin have also gained a reputation for their issues on the road. Continuing on from last season, the Greens have lost their previous five consecutive matchups away from the Q2 Stadium across all competitions.
Austin FC Team News
Dealing with a knee injury and not featuring over the past month, ex-Inter Miami star Robert Taylor will miss out against his former employers this weekend. Likewise, Dani Pereira is still recovering from a hamstring issue and won’t play any part here.
Called-up by Ukraine last month, 31-year-old Oleksandr Svatok will start at the heart of Austin’s defence. Now in his sixth campaign in Austin, former New York City goalkeeper Brad Stuver will start between the sticks.
Inter Miami vs Austin FC Key Factors to Consider
- When Inter Miami and Austin last met back in July 2023, Sunday’s opponents played out a 1-1 stalemate in Floria.
- Miami have suffered just a single defeat in front of their own supporters over the past 11 months.
- The Herons have recorded just a sole clean sheet from any of their first five MLS appearances.
- Austin have register just a single win from their opening five MLS appearances this season.
- Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi has registered four goals in as many MLS appearances so far this season.
Conclusion
Claiming a rollercoaster 3-2 victory against New York City prior to March’s international break, Inter Miami will be looking to lay down an MLS marker here. Despite their defensive struggles, Sunday’s hosts will meet an Austin side who have continued to show some glaring issues on the road. Suffering just a single domestic defeat in Floria over the past 11 months, the America giants are rightfully installed as a landslide favourite here.
Verdict: Inter Miami win
Best Odds: 2/5
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
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