F Lionel Messi and Inter Miami welcome Atlanta United FC to DRV PNK Stadium for a Leagues Cup battle Tuesday. The Group J match is set to kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET (Apple TV). Below, we preview BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Inter Miami vs. Atlanta United FC odds, and make our best soccer bets, picks and predictions.
Inter Miami has become a hot topic of conversation lately, signing several former Barcelona stars, including Messi and MF Sergio Busquets. They debuted in Miami’s opening Leagues Cup match vs. Cruz Azul Friday. In a storybook ending, Messi scored a free kick in the 94th minute to earn Miami a 2-1 victory and all 3 points. However, in MLS play, Inter Miami is last in the Eastern Conference with a 5-3-14 (W-D-L) record.
Atlanta United will be making its League Cup debut — each group consists of 3 teams. Atlanta has lost 2 straight games, both 2-1 losses, one to the New England Revolution and the other to Orlando City. United is led by Greek F Giorgos Giakoumakis, who has 10 goals in 17 MLS matches this season. Atlanta (9-8-7 MLS play) is 7th in the East, but has won just 3 of its last 11 games.
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Inter Miami vs. Atlanta United FC odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Monday at 11:32 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline: Inter Miami +110 (bet $100 to win $110) | Atlanta United FC +185 (bet $100 to win $185) | Draw +240
- Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -160 | U: +115)
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Inter Miami vs. Atlanta United FC picks and predictions
Prediction
Inter Miami 3, Atlanta United 2
Moneyline (ML)
BET INTER MIAMI (+110).
Busquets and Messi both were subbed in the 54th minute of Friday’s match. They are in good condition and should see more time as Inter continues with its season. Their involvement should boast well for Miami, and at plus-money odds, the new-look Miami roster is worth backing.
Atlanta hasn’t fared well on the road this season either, posting just a 2-5-5 record. It has had issues defensively, allowing 1.63 goals per game. It has given up 2 goals per game over its last 3 road matches.
Messi and company should be able to break through a soft defense with ease. Having made huge signings despite being out of the East playoff picture this season already, expect Miami to go all in for the high-profile tournaments it is still in.
TAKE INTER MIAMI (+110).
Over/Under (O/U)
LEAN OVER 2.5 (-160).
Atlanta and Miami are both not good defensively.
Miami gave up 8 shots on target to Cruz Azul and should have conceded more than once. It had 6 shots on target (12 overall), and Messi easily could have had multiple goals in his debut.
The reason Miami has lost 14 games this season is its defense, and it hasn’t improved that much, potentially even hurting it with its additions. Inter has allowed 1.64 goals per game.
Given Miami enhanced a lacking attack and Atlanta has a strong offense and porous defense, expect goals often. Despite the juice, TAKE OVER 2.5 (-160).
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