NYCFC vs. Inter Miami CF Prediction, Preview, and Odds - 8/14/21
Inter Miami CF has not lost in its last four matches, but that does not stop the club from being a sizeable underdog when it goes to NYCFC on Saturday. New York is looking to extend a five-match unbeaten streak and remain in third place in the Eastern Conference.
Miami is on a roll
Inter Miami CF comes into this match in its best form of the season. It had an awful opening half of the year, but it has not lost in its last four matches. Miami has played to a pair of 1-1 draws against Philadelphia and Orlando, while notching 2-1 victories over Montreal and Nashville. The win at home over Nashville last Sunday was its most impressive result during this stretch. Nashville dropped out of third place in the Eastern Conference following that loss. Indiana Vassilev netted a game-winner in the 95th minute of that match.
Miami outplayed Nashville, recording seven more shots on target than the visitors. Nashville took a 1-0 lead three minutes after halftime, but Gonzalo Higuain leveled the score 12 minutes later. Offense has been hard to come by for Miami this season, as it is dead-last in the Eastern Conference in scoring. The club has only scored 15 goals all season. Veteran wing Joevin Jones remains out of the starting 11 for Miami, having suffered a knee injury at the end of June. Inter Miami is expected to line up in a defensive formation to try to slow down the New York City attack.
NYCFC playing well
New York City has been in excellent form since losing consecutive matches in early July. It has won three of its last five matches, with the other two resulting in draws. New York beat Orlando by a 5-0 score and then blew out Columbus in a 4-1 final in consecutive home matches to end July. It has since gone on the road and played a scoreless match with Chicago and a 2-2 final with Toronto. New York City will be disappointed with its draw against Toronto, though. The visitors took a 2-0 lead 21 minutes into the match on goals from Santiago Rodriguez and Ismael Tajouri-Shradi.
Toronto rallied in the second half with goals in the 49th minute and 55th minute to pick up a point. New York City is currently tied with Philadelphia and Nashville, as all three teams have 28 points. New York owns the tiebreak, putting them in third place in the standings. It can move into second place with a win and an Orlando City loss. New York relies on a defense that ranks second in the Eastern Conference. Striker Heber is expected to return later this month after sitting out with an injury since last September. Midfielder Keaton Parks is expected to return to the starting 11 after serving a one-game suspension against Toronto.
Spread (Draw +410)
This is an excellent opportunity to take a stab at a bet that holds a lot of value. Oddsmakers have installed New York as a heavy favorite, which makes sense if you look at the table. However, there is plenty of reason to back a draw in this match. New York is dealing with several key injuries and has played down to its competition in its last two matches. Miami comes into this match with momentum after being unbeaten its last four times out. There are not many goals expected in this one, which makes a draw more likely.
Total (Under 3)
The highest total of any MLS match this weekend is three. This should not be one of those matches, as I expect this to be one of the most defensive-oriented matches of the weekend. Miami has scored the fewest goals of any team in the Eastern Conference, but its defense has been solid of late. New York City has the second-best defensive numbers in the conference. It should have no issue limiting Miami’s suspect attack, but I also do not have high expectations for the home side’s offense. This is shaping up to be a low-scoring match that we can attack in the betting market.
Teaser
Inter Miami CF and New York City FC will both be looking to extend unbeaten streaks when they square off on Saturday night.
