Inter Miami vs Colorado Rapids Prediction & Betting Tips

The MLS throws up an interesting clash next Sunday as Inter Miami take on Colorado Rapids. The game pits the East against the West due to the nature of the league system. Both sides are hoping to reach the next play-off stage of the MLS come the end of the normal campaign.

Date: 07/04/2024

Kick-off: 12:30 am UK Time

Location: Chase Stadium

The MLS system has two separate conferences split into East and West. All the teams in each conference play each other twice and then eight random scheduled games pitting teams from each conference take place in between. The league consists of 34 games and is decided by 16 teams having a knockout competition to lift the MLS Cup at the end of the year.

Two teams who will be eager to be at the end stage are Inter Miami and Colorado Rapids. Inter Miami have gained more notoriety over the past year or so, due to their recent acquisitions. The likes of Lionel Messi have raised the profile of the Miami outfit, and they are now one of the more established teams in the league.

Inter Miami are currently occupying an automatic spot in the Eastern Conference as things stand. The hosts are second after seven games played, having played a game more than those around them at the time of writing. Known as The Herons Vice City, they are currently managed by Gerardo Martino, and they have obtained 11 points from seven games this season.

Martino’s side have won three games this season in the league and have also reached the quarter-final of the Concacaf Champions Cup where a tie against Mexican side Monterrey awaits them.

Colorado Rapids are partaking in the Western Conference and are currently seventh after six games played. Colorado have won two games from those six games this season, having drawn twice and losing twice as well. The club is currently managed by former Manchester United assistant manager Chris Armas. In the six league games played this season, they have an equal record when it comes to both the attacking and defensive areas. Eight goals scored and eight goals conceded across six games gives them an average of 1.2 goals across both areas.

Colorado though does not compete in the Concacaf Champions Cup like their opponents. A win over Inter Miami could move Colorado into the top two of the Western Conference. A defeat, however, could mean they are overtaken by the likes of Portland Timbers and LAFC. The visitors have won the MLS Cup only once in their history in 2010, their second MLS appearance after losing in 1997 against D.C United.

Inter Miami Team News

Inter Miami will be without the likes of Lionel Messi and Facundo Farias. Those two head up an injury list of seven inactive players.

Colorado Rapids Team News

Daniel Chacon is the only injury absentee for Chris Armas.

Inter Miami will enter this game on the back of some indifferent form. In their last five games, Martino’s side have only won two out of their last five games in all competitions. Their recent form has left them open to being overtaken by the teams around them, but it is still early in the season.

Their most recent game was a closely contested game against New York City FC at Chase Stadium. Luis Suarez opened the scoring for Inter Miami in the 14th minute to continue his fine scoring form since his arrival. His fifth goal in seven goals was cancelled out by Alonso Martinez in the 34th minute.

It was an embarrassing performance in their most recent away game against another New York-based outfit in New York Red Bulls. Inter Miami travelled to one of the more successful teams in this franchise league and lost 4-0 thanks to a dreadful second-half performance. Despite having the greater share of possession, Inter Miami conceded three second-half goals including a hat-trick from Lewis Morgan.

Inter Miami’s recent win was a 3-1 win over D.C United. Leonardo Campana equalised after Jared Stroud opened the scoring for D.C. The game was at a standstill until Luis Suarez once again was the difference maker for Inter Miami. A late second-half brace from the veteran Uruguayan striker ensured all three points for Gerardo Martino’s side.

Their marquee player Lionel Messi is currently injured but the Argentine has been key for Inter Miami this season. The current Balon d’Or holder has seven goal contributions in six games this season. Following his injury, his former Barcelona teammate Suarez has stepped up to the plate.

His recent form has been brilliant in the last five games for the club. Suarez has four goals in his last five games with a brace coming in 28 minutes of game action against D.C. United.

As for the away side, Colorado Rapids have marginally better form than their opponents, especially in the league. Colorado have won two out of their last five league games in the MLS, drawing twice and losing once. Chris Armas’ side have obtained eight points from a possible 15 available.

Their most recent game was a dramatic 3-2 win over LAFC. Colorado found an equaliser after conceding a goal in the opening ten minutes. A goal from Moise Bombito levelled proceedings. LAFC were on course for the win, until a late brace from Djorde Mihailovic secured the win.

In their most recent away game, they were made to work hard for their point away at Seattle Sounders. Kevin Cabral equalised late on to rescue a point despite Seattle Sounders being down to ten men. Mihailovic has contributed three goal contributions so far this season after six games

We are predicting a home win for Inter Miami and Luis Saurez to get on the scoresheet. Inter Miami 2-0 Colorado Rapids

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