And then there were four. The Leagues Cup has proven to be a thrilling addition to the MLS season and if the opening stages have been anything to go by, we’re in for a stunning climax. The Philadelphia Union play host to Lionel Messi and Inter Miami tonight in a Leagues Cup showdown that promises fireworks of every kind.
We’ve made a handy guide for anyone looking to bet on Union vs Inter Miami this Tuesday.
Philadelphia Union vs Inter Miami: Leagues Cup info
Date: Tuesday, August 15th
Time: 7:00PM ET
Location: Subaru Park, Chester, PA
TV channel: FOX Sports
Philadelphia Union vs Inter Miami: Leagues Cup Odds
Money line: Philadelphia Union +200 | Draw +285 | Inter Miami +120
Philadelphia Union vs Inter Miami: Leagues Cup analysis
Philadelphia Union
This is a big game for the Union. Philadelphia has looked strong up to this point, but without former Inter Miami player Julian Carranza at its disposal, clinical shooting has to be a priority, especially with how fast Miami can break.
The Union is going to need a big game out of Jose Martinez and the rest of the midfielders, who will be tasked with disrupting the passing lanes occupied by he who must not be named. Scoring hasn’t been Philly’s specialty during this tournament, and Lionel Messi already has 8 goals and 2 assists in it. Stopping him, as evidenced by just about every team ever throughout his career, is nearly impossible. But putting a blanket the players who give him the ball is definitely achievable.
If the Union can keep the game tight, there is every chance of an upset. Philadelphia leads all leagues cup teams in key passes (54) and if they can counter quickly as they did when they breezed past Charlotte, unafraid to make those daring runs, then Miami’s defense is vulnerable enough to yield a high percentage chance or two. Philly also ranks 2nd in xG this tournament. If they can create scoring opportunities, this is a team that sat in the basement of their conference prior to Messi’s arrival, and that defense hasn’t changed all that much.
It also has to be noted that the Union plays very well at home. In their last 43 games at home, Union has a record of 36 wins, 5 draws, and just 2 losses. They’ve outscored their opponents by a total of 106 to 25 during that span and have won their last 7 games in all competitions. With a roaring home crowd looking to intimidate one of the greatest to ever do it, this is the perfect spot for an upset.
Inter Miami
As aforementioned, the spotlight here is on Lionel Messi, but he is supported by a cast of former friends who helped him to Barca glory. Sergio Busquets was once one of the greatest DM’s to play the game, and Jordi Alba still has enough space to turn anyone inside out. The core of this Inter Miami team has changed, momentum is shifting, and with Messi continuing to make moment after moment, it’s hard to really doubt them.
Messi has scored 5 goals in the knockout stage alone and Inter knows that the service passes from Busquets are absolutely lethal. They’ll be doing all they can to break down a likely-compact Union side.
Philadelphia Union vs Inter Miami: Leagues Cup Best Prop Bets
I mentioned earlier that the Union ranked 2nd in xG this tournament. You know who sits ahead of them? Inter Miami.
With both of the leading offenses facing off, I think we can comfortably expect more than 2.5 goals in this match (-200).
Lionel Messi to keep up his red-hot streak of finding the back of the net is -150, which feels like a must-bet prop at this point.
Philadelphia Union vs Inter Miami: Leagues Cup Best Betting offers
Mandatory Credit: Philadelphia Union
