Los Angeles FC vs Inter Miami: who will make the stronger start to the new season?
Inter Miami CF
In the early hours of Sunday, February 22, the new MLS campaign gets underway, and in one of the opening fixtures Los Angeles will take on Inter Miami. Kick-off is set for 3:30 CET, and I have a betting pick for this clash.
Los Angeles vs Inter Miami: match preview
Los Angeles have already kicked off their new competitive season. The team played in the first round of the CONCACAF Champions Cup playoffs, travelling to face Real España. LA thrashed their opponents 6–1. As for last season, LA finished third in the Western Conference, but their playoff run ended at the quarterfinal stage, where they were eliminated by Vancouver in a penalty shootout.
Inter Miami are the reigning MLS champions. The team finished third in the Eastern Conference and then produced a dominant playoff run: first defeating Nashville, then dismantling Cincinnati 4–0, crushing New York City 5–1, and beating Vancouver Whitecaps 3–1 in the final. It was the first championship title in the club’s history. In preparation for the new season, Miami played three friendlies: they lost one 0–3, won 2–1, and drew 2–2 with Barcelona SC. In the new campaign, Inter once again enter as one of the favourites.
Facts and head-to-head
- Inter Miami are the reigning MLS champions.
- Los Angeles are unbeaten in their last four matches: two draws and two wins.
- In the most recent head-to-head meeting, Inter Miami defeated Los Angeles 3–1.
Probable line-ups
- Los Angeles: Lloris; Palencia, Porteous, Tafari, Hollingshead; Eustaquio, Delgado, Tillman; Martinez, Bouanga, Son
- Inter Miami: St. Clair; Fray, Falcon, Micael, Allen; Ayala, De Paul; Allende, Messi, Silvetti; Berterame
Prediction
Both sides are eager to open the new season on a high and will push for all three points. Therefore, I suggest backing both teams to score in this match.
