Inter Miami’s march toward the Supporters Shield and chance of the MLS single-season points record marches on with a trip to face Atlanta United on Wednsday. Lionel Messi returned from his injury with a bang, scoring two goals and assisting another, but will he be risked in back-to-back matches?
It’s clear that the Herons are better with Messi on the pitch but just coming back from an injury with three games in eight days makes things tough for manager Tata Martino. Atlanta United is a team that Miami would be able to defeat with a slightly rotated side but already missing players due to suspension, they’ll need all the help they can get.
Here are our storylines, how you can watch the match and more:
How to watch and odds
- Date: Wednesday, Sep. 18 | Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium — Atlanta, Georgia
- Live stream: MLS Season Pass
- Odds: Atlanta United +170; Draw +280; Inter Miami +135
Storylines
Atlanta United: Coming into the match after a disappointing loss against Nashville SC, things won’t get any easier for the Five Stripes. Fighting for a playoff spot, they’re two points out of ninth place with time running out to make a run. Losing this match to Miami could be enough to derail Atlanta’s season so they’ll bring everything that they have.
Inter Miami: The Herons have already seen Luis Suarez set a new club record for goals in a season with 17 but he’s not done with a chance for the MLS Golden Boot in his future. Tomas Aviles and Sergio Busquets are suspended due to yellow card accumulation which is why Miami may need to play Messi in a match that he would normally rest. It’s good practice for the playoffs when they’ll need their best players out there every match but his fitness will still need to be monitored.
Prediction
Already winning five consecutive matches, the Herons will keep their good form going with a big away victory. Pick: Atlanta United 1, Inter Miami 3
