Inter Miami vs New York City FC: Soccer Betting Picks for MLS Game of the Week
No further proof is needed; Inter Miami without Lionel Messi doesn’t intimidate anyone. After losing the U.S. Open Cup final 2-1 to the Houston Dynamo, Inter Miami has six games to try and qualify for the MLS playoffs. Messi remains questionable, and the MLS bets on the team have dried up. Still, Miami can’t afford to lose, especially not against New York City FC, currently ninth in the Eastern Conference, the last place to grant a spot in the postseason.
Inter Miami Much Better at Home
Yes, the U.S. Open Cup Grand Finale was at DRV PNK Stadium, but before losing to Houston, Inter Miami had a club-record run of nine unbeaten matches at home. In fact, it was Miami’s first home loss since June 3.
That’s why, even if Messi can’t make it, Inter Miami is Ev in our MLS odds board. There’s also the fact that Josef Martinez has been on fire coming off the bench. He scored against the Dynamo on Wednesday, marking his ninth goal as a substitute over the last two seasons.
As I always say, a deep roster can make a huge difference. Especially when you play several tournaments at once. Besides Martinez, you should keep an eye on Leonardo Campana, who has been trying to fill Messi’s shoes.
The bottom line is that regardless of the result, Miami scored in 13 of its last 15 games at home in all competitions. If they want to keep their playoff hope alive, they must win, with or without Messi, and this is a great opportunity for all the other players to prove their worth.
New York City Solid Defense
While this hasn’t been New York City FC’s best campaign, the Citizens depend only on themselves to qualify for the postseason. And they’ve been taking things more seriously, finishing with a clean sheet in four of their last five matches. Goalkeeper Matt Freese has a lot to do with that.
“I really like the style of play here and I love the people here. For me, it’s about taking one game at a time. Right now the thing that’s on my mind is going to get in three points against Miami,” said Freese during an interview.
Most recently, they defeated Toronto FC 3-0. They controlled the match from start to end, scoring the opener only two minutes into the match and finishing with eight shots on target, four more than Toronto.
Andres Jasson is the main reason to consider betting on the Citizens. He has scored three goals in his last six MLS games, including one against Toronto. By the way, the visitors are offering a +260 price to win straight up, very similar to the one that Houston was offering in the soccer odds and predictions for Wednesday’s clash.
Citizen Domain
New York City FC has won seven of eight all-time meetings with Inter Miami. That includes the last time they collided, in March, winning 1-0. Miami’s lone victory was a 3-2 home win in 2022.
More good news for all online soccer betting enthusiasts because you can expect goals from this match. These two have never drawn, and the total has gone over 2½ goals in four of their meetings.
Inter Miami vs New York City Betting Odds
Inter Miami-New York City Soccer Pick, Prediction
Even if Messi gets to play, I don’t think he will be at 100%. Plus, New York City FC has way more experience in crucial matches like this one. The only reason I’m not recommending you ride with the Citizens is because the game is in Florida. The atmosphere in DRV PNK Stadium is different now, enough to help the team win at least one point.
Inter Miami vs New York City Match Information
• Match: Inter Miami (9-5-15) vs New York City (8-13-10)
• Date/Time: Saturday, Sep 30, 7:30 p.m. ET
• Location: DRV PNK Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, FL
• Inter Miami vs New York FC Live Stream: Fubo.tv
