Atlanta United vs Inter Miami CF Prediction: Atlanta United seeks redemption at home as they host an in-form Inter Miami in the decisive second leg of their Best-of-3 MLS playoff series.

It's time to bring in the MLS Playoffs, full of electricity, as Atlanta United host Inter Miami in an exciting 2nd leg. Inter Miami took a slender lead with a 2-1 victory in the 1st leg and head into this match confident off recent form and a commanding possession game. But this is not uncharted territory for Atlanta United, of course-the team edged past Montreal in a heart-stopping penalty shootout in the first playoff round. Now, it is seeking to make amends at home, with both teams desperate to move on to the next round and contrasting styles.

Atlanta United

Atlanta United under interim coach Rob Valentino line up in a similar 4-2-3-1 formation, exploiting width and controlling midfield. From the first-leg defeat, they rebound well, turning critical moments to their advantage when it counted most. The key to success for Atlanta lies in compact defense and fast counter-attacks-a style of play quite difficult for Miami to counter with their high possession game.

Historically in a 4-2-3-1, the setup for Atlanta United has been with two holding players in midfield, enabling the attacking trio behind the striker to exploit the spaces. Against the dominant possession game of Inter Miami, it is likely that the approach of Atlanta is going to be one of maintaining a tight organization in defense, trying to disrupt Miami's build-up play. Rob Valentino might instruct his side to hold transitions in midfield and counterattack quickly to leverage any mistakes that Miami makes in possession. Recent playoff stats for Atlanta show a penchant to concede-ninth goals in recent playoff matches, and they could be left vulnerable if their defense fails to adjust. Key to Atlanta's hopes will be turning their limited possession into scoring chances to force a deciding third match.

Predicted Lineup

Inter Miami CF

Inter Miami, led by Gerardo Martino, arrives with a fluid 4-3-3, with an emphasis on ball retention and swift transitions to be able to exploit Atlanta's defensive gaps. With the recent addition of experience in its roster, Miami gains further momentum in addition to key performances in the attacking line as they look to keep this playoff winning streak alive.

Martino's Inter Miami is organized in a flat 4-3-3 to give possession the utmost meaning. Sure enough, it was commanding, with them bossing 66% in the first leg. Miami is clinical in fashioning big chances, as witnessed in the first playoff match against Atlanta with 6 big chances fashioned. Martino will instruct his players to press high and keep Atlanta on the back foot. With consistent goal scorers in the lineup and with a low card rate-equivalent to 0 yellow cards in the last outing-Miami's tactical discipline will be an asset in maintaining control. They would look to really stretch out Atlanta's defense through wide channels, forcing Atlanta's backline into commitments that create large gaping holes for inside penetration.

Predicted Lineup

Head to Head

Inter Miami has the edge in the last few meetings, with 8 victories to Atlanta's 5, along with 4 draws. Most of these matches have seen a number of goals, with the last six seeing over 2.5 goals scored. Miami has also been on target first in 5 of the last 6 meetings against Atlanta, hence keeping their head up into this second-leg encounter. Both teams have been a bit fragile at the back, with Atlanta conceding 6 and Miami 4 in their last few games; an open game is expected with goal chances available for both sides.

Expert Betting Tips

That leaves Atlanta United with the tough task of needing to win and overturn the aggregate lead that Miami has. They'll count on home advantage to increase the offensive pressure as they perhaps look to better the two shots on target from the first leg. What that means is Valentin's team needs to do better with regards to the conversion of chances, taking advantage even of set pieces, since Miami conceded a total of 12 corners in the last outing, which showed some cracks in the back. Given the streak for Atlanta over 2.5 goals in each of their last five games, an intense, goal-heavy affair could be in the cards.

For Inter Miami, control of possession and discipline in the high press are the keys to victory. The creation of multiple big chances with maintained shooting accuracy-meaning 12 shots on target in the last game-means they'll likely pose a consistent threat. If Miami can continue to maintain this, score first as usual, and gain a bigger upper hand in dictating the game's tempo, it will be easier for them to force Atlanta into an aggressive and risk-prone style.

• 3 Way Total Under 11 Corners @ 1.64 Odds
• Goal Ranger 2-3 @ 2.43 Odds
• Under 5 Cards @ 1.83 Odds