Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 3/5
Bookmaker: Dachbet
Two sides who are sat firmly in the driving seat to punch their own respective play-off tickets this season, Orlando will host bitter local rivals Inter Miami in the early hours of Monday.
Orlando City
Starting with the hosts, signing off their August Leagues Cup fixtures with a sensational 5-1 romp at home against Mexican outfit Necaxa, Orlando will be desperately seeking a repeat performance here. Heading into the MLS fortnight interval with a 3-1 victory away at Columbus, the Lions should find the mood in their camp at a red-hot high. Now winning four of their previous five appearances across all competitions, Oscar Pareja’s side have also won their last two showdowns on home soil by an aggregate score of 8-2. However, although the Purples might have found a recent clinical edge in the final third, Orlando are still searching for some defensive stability. Failing to muster a single clean sheet from any of their last 10 matchups across all competitions, Pareja’s leaky defence will certainly be asked some serious questions here.
Orlando City Team News
Yet to make a single appearance across any competition so far this season, Japanese striker Yutaro Tsukada remains on the sidelines with a long-term knee issue. Likewise, USA international Duncan McGuire is still dealing with a shoulder injury and is not expected to play any part on Monday.
Coming off the bench and bagging a brace against Columbus prior to the MLS fortnight break, 24-year-old Ramiro Enrique could be handed a full recall and spearhead Pareja’s attack.
Inter Miami
As for the visitors, winning all of their opening three Leagues Cup showdowns over the past fortnight and laying down what was a real marker, Inter Miami will be excited to turn their attention back to MLS action here. Although the Herons might have a real battle on their hands in the race to defend their Eastern Conference crown this season, Javier Mascherano’s side has seen his superstar squad suffer just a single defeat from any of their previous nine appearances across all competitions. However, despite gaining a fearsome reputation for their clinical performances in the final third, Inter Miami should be worried by their most recent meeting against their bitter local rivals. In fact, the MLS giants slumped to a woeful 3-0 drumming when they welcomed Orlando to the Chase Stadium back on May 19th.
Inter Miami Team News
In what could be a huge blow for Inter Miami in the early hours of Monday, the Herons are sweating over the fitness of eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi. However, serving a domestic ban prior to the fortnight break, fellow former Barcelona superstar will make a full MLS return.
Registering 14 direct goal contributions in his 19 MLS appearances this season, Luis Suarez will shoulder plenty of Miami’s attacking threat here. Ex-Boca Juniors ace Marcelo Weigandt will start at right-back.
Orlando City vs Inter Miami Key Factors to Consider
- When Orlando and Inter Miami last met back on May 19th, the Lions stormed their way to a sensational 3-0 romp at the Chase Stadium.
- Orlando have won four of their previous five appearances across all competitions.
- However, the Lions have failed to muster a single clean sheet from any of their last 10 consecutive outings.
- Notching 49 goals in their 22 MLS appearances so far this season, Inter Miami hold the best-attacking tally in the Eastern Conference.
- Former Barcelona superstar Luis Suarez has registered 14 direct goal contributions in his 19 MLS appearances this season.
Conclusion
While Inter Miami might be looking to extend on their recent purple patch here, Mascherano’s side should be set for a real challenge when they travel across Florida on Monday. Hit with a 3-0 drumming when they last met Orlando back on May 19th as the Chase Stadium, the Herons will be desperately seeking some immediate revenge here. Two local rivals who will be excited by their clinical performances in the final third, neutrals will be hoping for another enjoyable MLS showdown in the early hours of Monday.
Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 3/5
Bookmaker: Dachbet
