Inter Miami will look to continue their fine form when they welcome Columbus Crew to Nu Stadium for their MLS clash on Sunday.
The hosts have strung together six consecutive wins and are eyeing the Eastern Conference’s top seed.
Columbus Crew, on the other hand, will hope to improve their fortunes on the road.
Read our Inter Miami vs Columbus Crew prediction, preview and betting tips below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
Inter Miami vs Columbus Crew key stats
- Six of Inter Miami's last eight matches have produced goals at both ends
- Both teams were on the scoresheet in seven of the last eight H2Hs.
- Inter Miami have drawn first blood in five consecutive clashes with Columbus Crew.
Inter Miami vs Columbus Crew preview: Business as usual for the hosts?
Inter Miami vs Columbus Crew — MLS Tale of the Tape
| Inter Miami | vs | Columbus Crew |
|---|---|---|
| 2nd | Position | 24th |
| 37 | Points | 19 |
| 43 | Goals For | 24 |
| 30 | Goals Against | 26 |
| 4 | Clean Sheets | 3 |
| 21st | Home / Away Rank | 22nd |
*These figures were accurate at the time of publishing.
Inter Miami ground out a 1-0 win against Montreal last weekend, with Luis Suarez scoring the game's only goal just after the 80-minute mark. They have now won six in a row, averaging over three goals in that stretch.
As things stand, Guillermo Hoyos’ troops are second in the Eastern Conference, having won 11 of their 17 league matches. Although they have been the league's best travellers, the hosts have not been particularly impressive at home, with three wins in seven matches at this stadium.
The reigning MLS champions will be without Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul, with both stars given extended rest following their FIFA World Cup participation.
Inter Miami also have significant injury absentees for this game, with up to five first-team players having health problems, including Gonzalo Lujan (calf), David Ayala (muscle), Maximiliano Falcon (calf), Tadeo Allende (knee), and German Berterame (head).
On the other hand, Columbus Crew came from behind to beat Cincinnati 2-1 at home last weekend.
However, the visitors’ recent run of results away from home does not inspire much confidence, as they are without a win in four consecutive away matches and have a 1-2-5 win-draw-loss record on the road.
Additionally, Columbus Crew have a poor track record against Inter Miami, having lost three consecutive skirmishes between these outfits. They are 11th in the Eastern Conference, three points behind the qualification playoff spots.
Coach Laurent Courtois will have to do without two of his key men, as Wessam Abou Ali is ruled out after having ACL surgery, while Brooks Lennon needs a few more days on the sidelines to fully recover from a groin problem.
Inter Miami vs Columbus Crew form guide & betting tips
| Inter Miami | vs | Columbus Crew |
|---|---|---|
W
W
W
W
W
|
Form |
L
D
W
L
W
|
| 15 | Points | 7 |
| 1st | Form Table | 8th |
| 17 | Goals For | 8 |
| 9 | Goals Against | 7 |
W
W
W
W
W
|
Form (All Comps) |
W
W
D
L
W
|
Whispers Predicts: Inter Miami 3-1 Columbus Crew
At 7/10 (1.70), Inter Miami are considered favourites by the bookies ahead of this clash.
Considering their winning streak, coupled with their excellent track record against Columbus Crew, we are confident that the hosts will claim all the spoils after all is said and done.
At least five goals were scored in three of the last four H2Hs, so we fancy over 3.5 total goals at 17/20 (1.85).
Furthermore, Inter Miami & BTTS – Yes landed in four of the hosts' last six outings, and this can be backed at 8/5 (2.60).
> Over 3.5 total goals at 17/20 (1.85) | Likelihood: Probable
> BTTS – Yes at 2/5 (1.40) | Likelihood: Probable
> Match result: Inter Miami at 7/10 (1.70) | Likelihood: Probable
> Inter Miami & BTTS – Yes at 8/5 (2.60) | Likelihood: Possible
> Correct Score: 3-1 at 11/1 (12.00) | Likelihood: Outsider