Inter Miami are looking for a sorely needed win in MLS this weekend as they prepare to face Austin FC.
Inter Miami currently sit 15th in MLS's Eastern Conference with five wins and thirteen losses from eighteen games this season.
It's been a dismal, dismal few months for Inter Miami in MLS - sporting-wise, at least - having failed to put a decent run together at any point with most referring to them as the worst team in Major League Soccer.
They're coming into this game amidst a run of form that legitimises that label having lost each of their last seven consecutive MLS matches.
Most recently, Inter Miami fell to a 4-1 loss away at Philadelphia Union.
Their form at home is slightly more promising having won two and lost three of their last five games on home soil, but having lost their last three home games on the bounce it still doesn't feel as though that offers enough encouragement to back them here.
Fans can at least be consoled by the fact they can look forward to the arrival of Lionel Messi, who is expected to debut for the club in late July, but for now they must focus on finding some form as they're miles off the standard required to accommodate a player of Messi's quality.
Austin FC currently sit 8th in MLS's Western Conference with seven wins, four draws and eight losses from nineteen games this season.
It's been a up and down season in terms of form for an Austin side that are still trying to find their feet in MLS, but given they're only two points shy of 4th place they'll be more than happy with their standing at present.
They're coming into this game amidst a decent run of form, too, having won three and lost two of their last five matches.
Most recently Austin cruised to a comprehensive 3-0 win over Houston Dynamo, a win that marked their second consecutive 3-0 victory.
As a result Austin will be flying in terms of confidence as they enter this match off the back of successive 3-0 wins, and given the vulnerability of their opponent they should eb able to use that to their advantage.
Their form away from home is a concern, however, having won just one of their last five games on the road so that should act as a caveat for anybody thinking of backing the Texas side.
Having said that, Inter Miami are in an abysmal state and Austin won the only competitive meeting between these two sides, in March of last year, by a whopping 5-1 scoreline.
We do, then, think Austin will take the three points here.
For our Inter Miami vs. Austin FC prediction, we're going for a 2-1 win for the away side.
Don’t forget to check out the rest of our previews, tips and offers for this weekend’s action.