Inter Miami vs. Toronto FC Prediction, Preview and Odds - 8/21/21
MLS Inter Miami vs. Toronto FC
The 2021 MLS season continues Saturday, August 21, so we’re taking a closer look at the Eastern Conference showdown from DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, as Inter Miami hosts Toronto FC with the kick-off at 8:00 PM ET. The Herons meet the Reds for the first time this season, and the hosts are +100 favorites to get three points.
Inter Miami aims for its fourth straight home win
The Herons have played very well over the last few weeks. They’ve recorded three wins, two draws, and just one loss in the last six games overall, scoring nine goals in the process and yielding eight in a return. The Herons have gone perfect over their previous three outings at home, coming off a 3-2 victory to the Chicago Fire this past Wednesday.
Gonzalo Higuain didn’t score against Chicago, but the 33-year-old striker had a couple of dishes, and he’s topping Miami’s scoring chart with eight goals in 16 appearances. Winger Indiana Vassilev broke the deadlock against the Fire to increase his season tally to two goals in seven apps, so he should get another start Saturday against the Reds.
Inter Miami is currently sitting at the 12th spot of the Eastern Conference standings with 19 points (W5, D4, L9) and an 18:30 goal difference. Nine of their 18 contests produced more than a couple of goals in total, including four of their previous five home tilts.
Toronto FC hopes to stop a two-game slide
The Reds are winless in five consecutive outings at any location, earning a couple of draws in the process along with a 4:9 goal difference. They are coming off a 1-0 defeat at Atlanta United this past Wednesday, as the Reds failed to find the back of the net for the second straight game on the road.
It was the second consecutive defeat for the Reds, who stay bottom of the Western Conference with 15 points from 20 games (W3, D6, L11) and a 24:41 goal difference. Their defense is the worst in the MLS by far, and the Reds have conceded a whopping 14 goals over their last five showings away from home.
Midfielder Jonathan Osorio leads the way for Toronto with four goals in 11 appearances, as the Reds’ forwards continue to struggle. Jozy Altidore has two goals in ten games; Yeferson Soteldo accounted for a couple of goals and assists in 14 apps, while Ayo Akinola, who’s scored three goals in 11 games, is injured.
The Pick:Inter Miami to Win
The Herons have struggled mightily in the first half of the season. They’ve managed to steady the ship and will look to extend a home winning streak. On the other side, the Reds have been awful for most of the season, but it doesn’t mean they don’t stand a chance Saturday against Miami.
Toronto has won two of its last four games on the road. I don’t think they’ll upset the odds in this one as well, but I don’t feel comfortable with the side bet in this matchup that, frankly, could easily go three-way. Anyway, the hosts are certainly in much better form than the Reds, so they should come out on top.
Total:Over 2.5 Goals
Toronto will look to score on the road after a couple of poor displays at Atlanta and Philadelphia. The Reds should be able to snap their skid, as Inter Miami has conceded in 13 straight outings at home. That’s a ridiculous streak, and it tells a lot about Miami’s defense.
The Herons have allowed 21 goals in ten home games so far this season. On the other side, the Reds have conceded 27 in 11 away games in 2021. Hereof, betting on the Over 2.5 Goals is a logical choice, and the odds are pretty decent at -141.
