Atlanta vs Inter Miami: An important match in the playoff battle

Atlanta and Inter Miami are not far from the playoffs, and a win in this upcoming encounter would mean a lot to both sides. Can United beat Miami for the first time in their history?

Due to a disappointing start, Atlanta are only in 8th place in the Eastern Conference, although they have seven wins in their last nine games. Ezequiel Barco, Marcelino Moreno, and Joseph Martinez have contributed to the team’s success, although the latter is still far from his former self. Martinez missed practically all of last year due to injury, and the day before, he missed the regular-season game due to another injury. The Venezuelan forward’s participation is currently questionable. Also, Franco Ibarra and Ronald Hernandez may not appear on the pitch, while Amar Sejdić and Emerson Hindman will not appear due to injuries. The good news is the return of center-back Alan Franco, who missed the last game due to suspension.

The previous day, Gonzalo Pineda’s charges met with Philadelphia and lost 0-1. United had no chance of success. The team took only six shots on goal, including two from outside the box. The opponents could have taken the lead as early as the 4th minute, but Brad Guzan made a save. The eminent goalkeeper ended up being Atlanta’s top scorer, accounting for eight saves. United conceded a goal midway through the 2nd half but had no chance to get back into the game.

David Beckham’s club are in danger of not making the playoffs again, and so far, they are only 10th in the Eastern Conference, five points behind the top-7 and with a game to spare. However, Inter Miami have also made a serious run, winning six games in 10 games. Gonzalo Iguayen scored three goals and dished out two assists during that stretch. The Mexican midfielder Rodolfo Pizarro has also shown promising results. He has four goal+pass number (3+1). As for the current squad, Victor Ulloa, Ryan Shawcross, Joevin Jones, Ventura Alfarado, and Ian Frye are still out injured, while Nicolas Figal and Gregore will not play due to disqualification.

Last week, Phil Neville’s side lost at home to Nashville 1-5. By the 48th minute, Inter Miami was already trailing by three goals, and only after that Gonzalo Iguayen cut the deficit briefly with a long-range strike. On the other hand, the opponents were far too comfortable and made good use of the scoring chances. The Herons’ defeat was legitimate, and there was no chance of a different outcome.

Yes, the face-offs again speak in favour of Inter Miami, but now the team is not in the best shape. Even at home, the Herons looked completely helpless against Nashville, while at least Atlanta’s defence was not as bad. United have been good at home of late, and their ten goals in 3 games only confirm it. In the last match against Inter Miami, Atlanta could win even despite their away status, and now they are bound to get theirs. I suggest the following betting options:

• Handicap 1 (-1) for 1.98;
• Total Over 2.5 goals for 1.60.