Raphael Durand
Dailysports's expert
One of the key MLS regular season clashes between Montreal and Inter Miami is set for July 6 at the Saputo Stadium in Montreal, Canada. Here’s a value bet on the total goals in this encounter, backed by solid odds.
Match preview
Montreal finally savored a home victory this season, edging out New York City 1-0 to wrap up June on a high note. That was only their second win in the last six matches, but Marco Donadel’s squad is slowly but surely climbing out of the basement in the Eastern Conference. Notably, the bleu-blanc-noir have never lost a match when leading at halftime — a factor that could be decisive in this fixture as well.
On the flip side, injury woes persist: several players remain sidelined, and though Joel Waterman has returned from international duty, he’ll miss this match due to suspension. Still, the defense has grown more confident on home turf — just one goal conceded in the first halves of their last three games. The big question is whether that will be enough against a side like Inter Miami.
Javier Mascherano’s men, fresh off a painful 0-4 drubbing by PSG at the Club World Cup, enter this match with a clear mission — to unleash their pent-up frustration. In MLS play, they’re unbeaten in three consecutive rounds and have showcased phenomenal attacking form: at least three goals scored in five of their seven matches in May. Returning to domestic action is a chance to remind everyone they’re still the top contenders for the Supporters’ Shield.
Despite their road struggles — three away games without a win and ten goals conceded — Inter’s attacking potential is off the charts. Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, Allende, and Picayo form such a dynamic front line that opposing defenders never know where the next strike will come from. Add in their burning motivation after the global stage setback, and you have a potent psychological edge.
Probable lineups
- Montreal: Sirois; Bugaj, Campbell, Craig, Petrasso; Sealy, Loturi, Piette, Pearce; Owusu, Vilsaint
- Inter Miami: Ustari; Weigandt, Falcon, Martinez, Alba; Allende, Redondo, Busquets, Segovia; Messi, Suárez
Match facts and head-to-head
- Inter Miami have won their last two MLS matches against Montreal.
- Last season, Miami claimed their first-ever victory in Montreal (3-2), coming back from a 0-2 deficit.
- Montreal have picked up points in six of their last seven home games against Florida clubs.
Prediction
A Messi and Suárez-led side, fired up after a Club World Cup exit, spells bad news for any opponent — especially for a Montreal team whose defensive lines aren’t the sturdiest. Still, the Canadians never fold at home, and given Inter’s shaky road defense, the hosts have a real shot at finding the net. Expect an open and high-scoring affair. Our pick: Over 2.5 goals at odds of 1.65.
