On Wednesday, Nashville SC showed us that Lionel Messi's Inter Miami can be thwarted with the right tactical touch, holding the new-look side goalless in a 0-0 draw.
Yet in truth, it took a tactical masterclass to pull it off — one which other MLS clubs may be neither desire nor be suited for pulling off. Gary Smith was clearly content to park the bus and strike occasionally on the counter, but top-class clubs like LAFC will certainly not wish to put forth a similar approach.
Instead, the defending champions will surely wish to take their shot at out-classing Inter Miami as the two meet in California on Sunday.
Nashville's approach was commendable in terms of earning a valuable point on the road, but for LAFC, in front of their home fans and attempting to chase the top spot in the Western Conference, winning will be their priority, and to that end, they'll surely wish to beat Messi, not simply wrap him in chains.
LIVE BLOG: Follow along as Lionel Messi and Inter Miami visit the west coast to meet LAFC
LAFC vs Inter Miami match facts
- Date: Sunday, September 3, 2023
- Kickoff Time: 10 p.m. ET / 3 a.m. BST (Mon, Sep. 4) / 12 p.m. AEST (Mon, Sep. 4)
- Location: BMO Stadium (Los Angeles, CA)
- Official: Ted Unkel
- Last meeting: Inter Miami 0-2 LAFC (Mar. 12, 2022 | MLS)
MORE: MLS 2023 top scorers
LAFC vs Inter Miami prediction, odds
- Moneyline lean: Draw (+270)
- Handicap lean: Inter Miami -0.5 (-135)
- Score prediction: LAFC 1-1 Inter Miami
For the first time since Lionel Messi's arrival, Inter Miami are underdogs in a match, and clear ones at that, with LAFC installed as even-money home favorites.
Despite Messi being held without a goal contribution for the first time since joining his new club, goals are expected for this game between two of the league's most potent attacking sides.
| LAFC win | Draw | Inter Miami win | Both teams to score Y / N | Over / Under 3.5 goals | LAFC -0.5 | MIA +0.5 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BetMGM (USA) | -110 | +290 | +230 | -250 / +175 | -105 / -135 | -115 | -120 |
| Sports Interaction (Canada) | +104 | +260 | +219 | -200 / +126 | +100 / -127 | +102 | -135 |
| Unibet (Australia) | 2.00 | 3.70 | 3.40 | 1.58 / 2.30 | 1.64 / 2.23 (2.5 goals) | 2.02 | 1.81 |
LAFC vs Inter Miami: Best bet
- Pick: Under 2.5 goals
- Odds: +120 (BetMGM)
A couple factors are at play here which could see Inter Miami in another dogfight.
First, the book is out on how to attack Inter Miami, at least in some form. Clearly, physicality can throw Tata Martino's side off their game, and their susceptibility on the counter will give opponents comfort that long stretches of defensive bunkering don't lobotomize their attack as much as it may seem.
Additionally, this LAFC team isn't quite as high-flying as they have been in recent years. Instead, with Carlos Vela over the hill, Steve Cherundolo has looked to a stout defense to carry the mantle, and Denis Bouanga now leads the attack, which features multiple role players instead of a few glittering stars. Goals will be scored, but LAFC will make sure to keep Inter Miami at bay first before looking forward themselves.
Finally, here's the kicker: Giorgio Chiellini was rested last time out against Charlotte FC, a 2-1 loss. Not including his spell on the sidelines for a leg injury, Chiellini has been rested four times this season...the three previous times, upon returning, LAFC kept two clean sheets, conceded one combined goal, and won all three games. A fresh Chiellini is a nightmare for opponents.
LAFC vs Inter Miami prop bet
- Pick: Inter Miami double chance
- Odds: -135 (BetMGM)
LAFC are not the behemoth they have been in recent years — as last time out proves, they can be beaten by anyone on any day. They've dropped two league games this season at home, coming against Houston and Vancouver, who are quality opponents but not exactly the cream of the league.
Nashville produced a masterclass performance in both games against Inter Miami, and came away with just a draw each time. It will take an inch-perfect showing from anyone in this league to secure all three points against Inter Miami, and so, we'll jump on the rare opportunity where Inter Miami is enough of an underdog to make the double chance palatable.
LAFC vs Inter Miami live stream, TV channel
| Streaming | |
|---|---|
| Global | Apple TV+ (MLS Season Pass) |
MORE: Watch Premier League matches live with Fubo in USA
