Inter Miami vs. Cincinnati FC: Preview, Where to Watch and Betting Odds

With Lionel Messi still out, Inter Miami returns to the MLS with a top-of-the-table clash against Cincinnati FC at the Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale. Both teams were recently eliminated from the Leagues Cup and will pick up where they left off in the MLS as the frontrunners. Last July, Cincinnati thrashed the Herons 6-1 in a clear statement of intent as Cincinnati raced up the Eastern Conference standings. Although they subsequently lost their next three games before participating in the Leagues Cup, Cincy will face an Inter Miami team going into their twelfth match without the talismanic Argentine Lionel Messi. Inter Miami is the slight favorite of the oddsmakers.

Football: Inter Miami vs. Cincinnati FC

Where to Watch: Apple TV

Venue: Chase Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Date: 25.08.2024 03:30

The Herons have fared very well since Lionel Messi jetted off to Copa América and returned with the trophy and an ankle ligament injury. Inter Miami has lost only twice in the eleven games they played without Messi - the loss to Cincinnati in July and the 2-1 setback against Columbus to exit the Leagues Cup. Sergio Busquets, who was sent off in the tempestuous match against Cincy in July, Jordi Alba, and Luis Suarez have carried the team with their class. Miami also recently added the Paraguayan international defender David Martinez to help bolster their defense. Miami sits at the top of the Eastern Conference table and had won three consecutive MLS matches before the break. They are also formidable at home, last losing at the Chase Stadium in March against Toronto.

Pat Noonan’s boys have been out of sorts since beating Inter Miami in early July. They lost twice at home and once away in the MLS for three consecutive losses before going off to compete in the Leagues Cup. Their fortunes were better as Cincy picked up two wins and one draw before being dumped out by Philadelphia last week. Five points behind Miami and in second place in the Eastern Conference standings, Cincinnati will need to replicate their July masterclass here as a first step in mounting a title challenge as the MLS heads into clutch time. Cincy will be counting on their solid away record and the form of their top scorer and assist maker, Lucho Acosta.

Inter Miami are 2.08 favorites on Betway which prices Cincinnati at 3.25. 1XBET lists the draw at 3.85 and no to both teams scoring at 2.539. On Bet365, Inter Miami to win and both teams to score is available at 3.40 odds. Read more here.