In the Leagues Cup semifinal, the Philadelphia Union welcome F Lionel Messi and Inter Miami to Subaru Park Tuesday. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. ET (Apple TV). Below, we preview BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Philadelphia Union vs. Inter Miami odds, and make our best expert soccer picks and predictions.
Inter Miami has been the talk of the MLS since inking Messi, who some consider the best soccer player of all time. Messi has scored 5 goals in Miami’s 3 knockout stage games and was impressive in the group stage as well. Inter beat Orlando City 3-1 in the Round of 32, FC Dallas 4-4 (5-3 penalty kicks) in the Round of 16 and then Charlotte 4-0 in the quarterfinals. This will be its toughest test yet, and its 2nd knockout stage road match.
Philadelphia beat Club Tijuana 3-1 on July 22 and then Queretaro 5-1 in the group stage. It then took down DC United 0-0 (5-4), the NY Red Bulls 1-1 (4-3) and then Queretaro again 2-1 in the quarterfinals. The Union have been very impressive at home this season with only 1 loss, going 8-1-2. F Julian Carranza has scored 10 goals in 21 matches for Philadelphia, which won 7 of its last 11 matches prior to the Leagues Cup break.
The winner meets either Nashville or Monterrey in the final on Saturday.
[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]
[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]
Philadelphia Union vs. Inter Miami odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:37 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline: Philadelphia Union +185 (bet $100 to win $185) | Inter Miami +115 (bet $100 to win $115) | Draw +270 (bet $100 to win $270)
- Over/Under: 3.5 (O: +120 | U: -175)
World class soccer coverage all in one place: Get ESPN+
Philadelphia Union vs. Inter Miami picks and predictions
Prediction
Philadephia Union 1, Inter Miami 1 (Inter advances on penalty kicks)
Moneyline (ML)
LEAN DRAW (+270).
Philadelphia had the best defense in the MLS last season, and it has had a top-notch final 3rd throughout the 2023 year. It has allowed 26 goals in 23 matches and has allowed just 2 goals throughout the 3 knockout stage battles. The Union strength is its backline, and I expect to hold up against Messi.
Similarly, Messi and company have one draw in the knockout stage already. The teams combined have drawn 3 of 6 knockout stage games. Miami has more attacking talent, but it isn’t necessarily better at all stages of the game.
Expect a close-fought battle and back the full-time DRAW (+270).
Over/Under (O/U)
BET ALTERNATE UNDER 2.5 (+138).
This total is lofty because Miami beat Atlanta 4-0, Orlando City 3-1, Dallas 4-4 (5-3) and Charlotte 4-0. It has netted goals lately. But, it hasn’t gone on the road and faced one of the best defenses in the league. The Union have allowed just 7 goals in 11 home matches. It has also allowed just 6 shots on frame in its 3 knockout stage games.
Miami’s defense is lacking and has holes, but Philadelphia hasn’t quite been dominant offensively. It has just 3 goals through the 3 knockout stage games, so don’t expect to expose Miami too much.
Ultimately, back the UNDER 2.5 (+138).
Check out Pro Soccer Wire: For the American soccer fan, USA TODAY Sports Media Group’s website provides a fresh look at the beautiful game.
[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]
For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.
Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter. Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=53935]