Inter Miami vs Colorado Rapids: Betting Odds & Prediction

Star-studded Inter Miami entertain Colorado Rapids in the MLS, with all eyes on the availability of star forward Lionel Messi.

Kick-off at Chase Stadium is at 12.30am on Sunday (UK time).

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Inter Miami

Inter Miami require a boost after a 2-1 home defeat in their CONCACAF Champions Cup first leg against Monterrey in midweek. The Herons, missing captain Lionel Messi from the squad for a fourth successive game, went in front through Tomas Aviles, but the red card of David Ruiz after 65 minutes swung the tie decisively. The Mexican five-time winners were on terms just four minutes later and then grabbed a crucial second away goal at the death.

Juggling a busy schedule, Tata Martino’s side are searching for a first MLS win in Fort Lauderdale since March 2. Argentina’s Messi starred with four goals as they were unbeaten in their first four matches - including two comfortable home wins - but they have won just one and lost three when he has been injured or rested.

The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, who bagged 10 goals in his first seven club appearances to fire the Florida club to August’s Leagues Cup, could return having resumed squad training. Should he fail to recover fully though, the focus will be on top scorer Luis Suarez; the Uruguayan has been on the scoresheet seven times in 10 appearances since signing for David Beckham’s franchise in December.

Although Inter Miami lie second in the Eastern Conference standings on goal differential, unequal fixtures played make it a false position; their 1.57 points per game is bettered by six other teams. In their previous MLS fixture - also at Chase Stadium - Miami again let slip an early lead, earned by Suarez’s headed opener, in a draw with New York City. That followed a 4-0 humbling at NYC’s neighbours New York Red Bulls.

Miami’s status as MLS’ most prolific side (14 goals) partly reflects their additional match(es) played. However, only Conference counterparts Atlanta United and the Red Bulls outdo their 2.5 goals scored per home game (from an expected goals of 1.74). They have conceded one goal per home match, from an expected goals against of 1.2, while at least three goals have been yielded in 70% of their encounters, including seven of their last eight.

Colorado Rapids

After their last-gasp loss to Houston Dynamo, Rapids looked to be tumbling to a second straight home defeat in Saturday’s visit of Los Angeles FC - only for a late Djordje Mihailovic brace to earn a turnaround 3-2 victory.

Chris Armas’ side lie seventh in the 14-team Western Conference standings, with two wins, two draws and two defeats in six outings. They have an equally symmetrical away record, sharing a win, a draw and a loss. Away from Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, they have amassed four goals and conceded six.

Although it is very early season, Rapids will feel their return on the road could be greater; they have scored 1.33 per away game (from an xG of 1.68) and shipped two per game from an xGA of just 1.12. In their six matches overall, they have averaged 1.33 goals scored from an xG of 1.51, and 1.67 goals against (xGA 1.15).

With a BTTS record of 83.3%, Colorado have netted on all three away trips but are still searching for a first clean sheet of the campaign. There have been at least three goals in two of their three away outings so far (66.7%).

There has been plenty of late drama in Colorado games, with five goals (three for, two against) converted after the 80-minute mark. Rapids have also been slow starters, leaking six goals and scoring none in the opening 30 minutes.

OddsNow's Pick: Over 2.5+ goals scored & BTTS (21/20 @ Coral)