Inter Miami vs Toronto tips: Can Lionel Messi lift Vice City to the MLS play-offs?
- George Dempsey
- 19 September 2023
Inter Miami are running out of games as Lionel Messi and co continue their late assault on the MLS play-off places.
Suggested bets
Inter Miami to win both halves
Inter Miami half-time/full-time
Inter Miami vs Toronto FC Team news
Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba were rested for the 5-2 thrashing against Atlanta United but both should return to the starting line-up here.
Leonardo Campana was at the double on the weekend and is likely to retain his spot up top, although Josef Martinez is pushing for a recall.
Sergio Busquets, Robbie Taylor, Deandre Yedlin and Drake Callender are all expected to retain their place in Miami’s midweek XI.
Victor Vazquez, CJ Sapong and Latif Blessing all offer outlets in attack and could come into the starting lineup if Terry Dunfield opts to freshen things up.
Michael Bradley will continue in his new role as centre-back, leaving Jonathan Osorio, Franco Ibarra and Alonso Coello in midfield.
Inter Miami vs Toronto FC betting preview
Inter Miami reverted to type in the absence of Jordi Alba and Lionel Messi. Vice City were increasingly shambolic in defence and failed to deal with Atlanta’s pace.
The first league defeat of the Tata Martino error, coupled with the 0-0 draw at home to Nashville, leaves their play-off hopes hanging by a threat.
Back-to-back wins against LAFC and Sporting KC have lifted them off the foot of the table and closed the gap to seven points with seven matches remaining.
However, that gap could increase if Charlotte can utilise their game in hand before a doubleheader with Miami to finish the season.
Their midweek clash with Toronto FC, now rock bottom of the league with just four wins, has become a must-win game.
The Canadians have lost nine of their previous 10 matches and remain winless in their previous 16 matches on the road, shipping 36 goals.
It’s ominous that they’ve conceded three or more goals in half of those fixtures, while Miami are averaging 2.65 goals per game since Messi’s arrival.
The visitors are there for the taking and we expect Inter to break through early and punish their visitors to improve their goal difference.
