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Real Salt Lake City have already sounded a warning to the rest of the MLS with some incredible performances, not least their 4-2 drubbing of San Diego FC last weekend, which should concern Inter Miami, as they prepare to visit America First Field on Thursday, April 23.
Inter's sporting director-turned-interim manager, Guillermo Hoyos, would have been pleased with his side's 3-2 victory away to Colorado Rapids last week, but he knows that the job has only just started.
The hosts narrowly missed out on the playoffs last year, but they have made a positive start to this season, and are certainly in the running to finish in those prized places, head coach Pablo Mastroeni will ask his team to keep their feet on the ground as they take it game by game.
Facing the current MLS Cup champions will be a true test of their credentials, especially since they last faced the Herons in 2024.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for Real Salt Lake City vs Inter Miami and make sure to check out our Today's betting tips page for more of our free expert MLS predictions!
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Real Salt Lake City vs Inter Miami key stats
- Real Salt Lake City are unbeaten at home in the MLS this season across their four fixtures.
- Inter Miami have lost just one of their six away league dates this term.
- Lionel Messi has scored four goals in his last four games for both club and country.
- Miami are undefeated against RSL.
Real Salt Lake City vs Inter Miami preview: Miami to repeat history?
| Real Salt Lake City | vs | Inter Miami |
|---|---|---|
| 6th | Position | 7th |
| 16 | Points | 15 |
| 16 | Goals For | 16 |
| 10 | Goals Against | 14 |
| 0 | Clean Sheets | 1 |
| 4th | Home Rank | 27th |
| 11th | Away Rank | 1st |
Mastroeni's primary goal this season is to get his team back into the playoff positions, and he has already made tracks towards that by delivering five victories from their seven matches.
The Claret and Cobalt's major strength is playing in their backyard, as they have yet to lose a league fixture at America First Field, but they have defensive issues that could prove to be a problem, especially against Messi and company.
They have shipped five goals in four such matches, and are yet to keep a clean sheet, which is the sticking point that could be their downfall on Thursday morning.
The hosts will enter this crucial fixture without the services of Juan Jose Arias (groin) and Emeka Eneli (knee), the former is a major blow for RSL.
Inter would argue that they are in a more vulnerable state after head coach Javier Mascherano vacated his position in the middle of last week, leaving their sporting director to assume the responsibility.
The Herons pulled off a win, which saw them move to seventh on the Supporters' Shield standings, while they climbed to second in the Eastern Conference.
The Miami outfit will be more than happy to travel, as that is where they have thrived this season, losing only one of six such outings, a huge contrast to the two stalemates they registered at their new home base.
Hoyos will have to make the trip without new signing Sergio Reguilon, who is battling a hamstring strain, while Yannick Bright will be serving a suspension after receiving his marching orders last week.
Real Salt Lake City vs Inter Miami form guide & betting tips
| Real Salt Lake City | vs | Inter Miami |
|---|---|---|
| W-W-D-W-W | League Form | D-W-D-D-W |
| 13 | Points | 9 |
| 2nd | Form Table | 11th |
| 14 | Goals For | 10 |
| 8 | Goals Against | 8 |
| W-W-D-W-W | Form (all comps) | D-W-D-D-W |
Whispers predicts: Real Salt Lake City 1-2 Inter Miami
This fixture is as even as it gets, with the hosts coming in at 2.21 for the win, while the visitors' strength on the road has been considered, as they have 2.70 odds to win this one.
However, with the number of stalemates that the Herons have been involved in, it is worth looking at the double chance market with a draw and Inter Miami victory for 1.61.
Only one clean sheet between the clubs suggests that there will be goals at both ends in this one, which is why backing BTTS - Yes at 1.41 is a legitimate option.
In the goalscorer market, backing Lionel Messi to score at 1.85 is offering decent value for a player we know can turn matches upside down by himself.
> Double chance - Inter Miami or Draw at 1.61 | Likelihood: Probable
> BTTS - Yes at 1.41 | Likelihood: Very likely
> Anytime goalscorer - Lionel Messi at 1.85 | Likelihood: Probable