MLS: Inter Miami vs. Austin FC Preview, Betting Tips, Predictions, Picks

Inter Miami won’t have Lionel Messi against Austin FC, but they have to win this event. The team from Florida is in a really poor situation, and three points from this contest are imperative. Meanwhile, Austin is also under pressure to win. The team from Texas is eighth in the standings but with their rivals for the postseason breathing down the neck. So, this could be a very competitive and tense match, despite what many believe. Inter is now one of the most followed clubs in the world, and they have to approach games with a completely different mentality than in the past. 

Preview

Inter Miami (+150) is more in the media because of their transfers than their performances. The Herons have brought Sergio Busquets, one of Messi’s teammates from Barcelona’s golden era. Many expect the franchise from Florida to land more attractive names in the near past and hope that this is just the beginning. 

Messi is out for this one, currently resting. That’s a bit blow for Inter, who is last in the East with only 15 points after 18 encounters. Right now, they are in the middle of an extremely negative streak, that saw them losing the last seven games in the MLS. 

Both parts of the lineup are problematic. The defense has allowed nine goals throughout the previous 270 minutes, which is an issue that needs to be solved. Meanwhile, the attack scored fewer goals than games played, 17 in 18 contests. 

Austin FC (+155) had inconsistent performances, and that’s the reason why they are in limbo, lingering between the playoffs, the play-in, and the possibility of missing both. They had two losses against Real Salt Lake and Sporting Kansas City, before posting two 3-0 triumphs. 

Their rivals in these two meetings were also from the state of Texas, Houston Dynamo and FC Dallas. These wins were refreshing for Josh Wolff’s boys, who got the shot of confidence not due to triumphs, but the fact that the same was against the local rivals. 

Austin still searches for form on the road, as they have two victories, one draw, and five losses when playing outside the Q2 Stadium. Wolff has to find the formula to improve these numbers, otherwise, the playoff race might end up unsuccessfully. 

Latest News

Messi is out until July 21st, when he debuts against Cruz Azul. Corentin Jean, Jean Mota and Gregore are all out for the hosts.

Austin can’t count on Zan Kolmanic and Leo Vaisanen. 

Head to Head Games

The two sides met in a friendly game in February, during the preseason. Back then we saw a tie, 2-2. Previously, in 2022, Austin demolished the rivals from Miami at Q2 Stadium, packing five goals in their net and allowing just one. 

Prediction

The Herons have to go all in here and attack the rivals right from the start. Austin isn’t very convincing on the road, but they, too, have nothing to lose. That’s why we expect an open and efficient contest with goals on both ends. This pick is priced at -170.

Pick: Both teams to score -170

More MLS previews:

• Minnesota United vs. Portland Timbers
• San Jose Earthquakes vs. LA Galaxy
• St. Louis City vs. Colorado Rapids
• Columbus Crew vs. New York Red Bulls
• CF Montreal vs. New York City FC