Atlanta United FC vs Inter Miami CF Odds: Chasing Down Playoffs

• Atlanta United have been struggling for the past few weeks and will hope the international break from football allows them to get back to winning ways
• After winning the 2023 Leagues Cup, a resurging Inter Miami side is aiming to clinch an MLS playoff spot
• The two clubs have clashed twice in two different competitions this season and Inter Miami have emerged victorious on both occasions

Atlanta United FC vs Inter Miami CF Odds

Odds taken from BetMGM.

Atlanta United FC vs Inter Miami CF Pick

• Our Pick: Inter Miami CF to win. 

Atlanta United FC vs Inter Miami CF Predictions

The arrival of Lionel Messi over the summer has given new life to the David Beckham-owned Miami club. Inter Miami struggled with form and suffered poor results up until the break for the 2023 Leagues Cup, which left them placed at the bottom of the table. However, since the Leagues Cup, they are on a 12-game unbeaten run and are favorites to extend it on Saturday.

Atlanta United were in decent form throughout the season but have struggled slightly since the Leagues Cup. They were ousted from the competition in the group stage, where they were thrashed 4-0 by Inter Miami in the opening game, and lost to Mexican side Cruz Azul on penalties. 

Inter Miami are heavy favorites to seal a win at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Saturday, as Atlanta have failed to win in their last two attempts.

Previous Meetings

The two teams have faced off 11 times so far across all competitions, with Inter Miami leading the head-to-head by five wins to Atlanta United’s three. The remaining three encounters have ended in draws.

Inter Miami has won three out of five of the most recent meetings with Atlanta United. It is interesting to note that of their last five meetings, Inter Miami has lost both times that they have visited the Mercedes Benz stadium.

This will give Atlanta some hope to get a result out of Saturday’s fixture. The last encounter between these two sides was in the opening game of the 2023 Leagues Cup, where eventual champions Inter Miami secured an emphatic 4-0 win over Atlanta United.

The two teams have also clashed once in the ongoing MLS season and that match took place in May. Josef Martinez’s second-half brace helped Inter Miami nab all three points despite being reduced to ten men after the sending off of Franco Negri. Andrew Gutman pulled one back but it turned out to be a consolation goal.

Atlanta United FC Hope to Bounce Back

Atlanta United FC are placed sixth in the Eastern Conference table, with 42 points from 28 games. They have won 11 of those matches, drawn nine, and lost eight. Gonzalo Pineda’s side started struggling at the beginning of July. They have only won four of their last 10 games in all competitions since then. 

Atlanta also had a disappointing Leagues Cup campaign this year, as they were unable to bag a single win in the tournament. They were drawn into the same group as their next opponents, Inter Miami, and were beaten by them in the opening game. The defeat was followed by another one against Mexican side Cruz Azul on penalties, as the game ended 1-1 after regulation time.

The Hosts Have Been Clinical in the Final Third

Atlanta United have a decent goalscoring record in the MLS this season. They have scored 51 goals in their 28 games, averaging 1.8 goals per game. Pineda’s side is ranked third when it comes to goals scored in the American league this year.

The hosts have scored at least one goal in their last 15 home games, and there have been at least two goals or more in their last five encounters with Inter Miami.

Thiago Almada Will Be the Key  

Attacking midfielder Thiago Almada has been in great form this season, adding nine goals and 13 assists to the total 51 goals scored by his club this year. The 22-year-old is ranked number one in the league in terms of big chances created and has provided 22 such contributions.

Goalscoring is not a worry for Pineda’s men at all, as Greek forward Georgios Giakoumakis has also bagged 13 goals so far this season. The right wing-back Brooks Lenon has also managed to contribute eight assists and net three times himself.

Inter Miami CF Hope to Extend Unbeaten Run

Inter Miami CF are currently on a 12-match unbeaten run, dating back to July 22, when the Leagues Cup began. No one pegged the Miami side to emerge victorious in the competition as they were placed at the bottom of the Eastern Conference table. 

However, since lifting the Leagues Cup trophy, Miami have won three of their four games after returning to the MLS. They have managed to beat giants Los Angeles FC and the New York Red Bulls away, as well as Sporting Kansas City at home. Their home encounter against Nashville SC ended in a disappointing nil-all draw. It was the only time in their 12-match unbeaten run that Gerardo Martino’s men have failed to score a single goal.

All-Round Resurgence

While the Leagues Cup Golden Boot winner was away on international duty, Inter Miami faced Sporting KC at home last weekend. Despite their star player being absent, Martino’s men secured a 3-2 victory to secure all three points. 

Leonardo Campana bagged the Player of the Match award, as he scored a brace. The forward also netted in the 2-1 victory over Los Angeles FC, ending an 11-game goal drought, taking his tally to seven goals in 20 games. 

Teenage defender Tomas Aviles also bagged an assist against Los Angeles. His compatriot, Facundo Farias has now scored two goals in three starts since his arrival in the MLS. Overall, Martino’s side is balanced and well-placed to bag all three points against Atlanta. 

Chasing Down Playoffs

Inter Miami have played 26 games so far and are placed 14th in the Eastern Conference table with 28 points. They have won eight games, drawn four, and lost fourteen so far. The Miami side are five places and six points away from the last qualifying playoff position, which is currently occupied by DC United who sit ninth with 34 points.  

Miami have eight games to go, with a probable 24 points up for grabs. Charlotte FC, who are placed 11th have also played 26 games, the same as Miami, and have to cut a gap of only three points as compared to Miami’s six. Chicago Fire and New York Red Bulls are also in the running, having played 27 games each and sitting ahead of Miami by four points and one point respectively. Given their recent form, Inter Miami are in a prime position to chase down a playoff spot this year.  

How to Watch Atlanta United FC vs Inter Miami CF

• Teams: Atlanta United FC vs Inter Miami CF
• Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• Time: Saturday, September 16 at 5:00 pm ET
• How To Watch: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, FS1, and Fox Deportes