© Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Inter Miami Eyes Tenth Consecutive Win Against Nashville SC

Inter Miami is riding a nine-match winning streak and aims to extend it to ten when they host Nashville SC at DRV PNK Stadium this Wednesday evening. Despite their remarkable turnaround, Inter Miami lingers at 14th position in the Eastern Conference. Meanwhile, Nashville sits comfortably at the seventh spot.

Inter Miami

Inter Miami has struggled at the start of the season, languishing near the bottom of the Eastern Conference with only 21 points from their first 23 fixtures. However, their recent form suggests a late push for a playoff spot could be on the horizon. They currently sit 11 points adrift of ninth-placed Chicago Fire but have the advantage of two games in hand.

The Messi Impact

Lionel Messi's arrival has dramatically improved the fortunes of Gerardo Martino's squad. They have won their last nine games across all competitions, most notably clinching the Leagues Cup trophy after a penalty shootout win against Nashville SC. Additionally, they reached the finals of the US Open Cup, overcoming FC Cincinnati in a thrilling 3-3 draw that they eventually won on penalties. Messi started his MLS journey with a bang, netting a goal in their 2-0 triumph against New York Red Bulls.

Nashville SC's Form

Contrary to their Leagues Cup form, Nashville SC is struggling in the league. Their recent record shows six losses in the last seven MLS matches, and their away form has been abysmal, with no wins since early June. Despite this slump, they still hold the seventh position in the conference and look poised for a playoff berth if they can turn their form around.

Team News and Expected Line-ups

Messi is set to return to Inter Miami's starting lineup after being rested for an hour against New York Red Bulls. Inter Miami has injury concerns, with Corentin Jean, Franco Negri, and Gregore all unavailable. For Nashville SC, Nick DePuy is the only confirmed absentee due to injury, but changes are expected after their 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Atlanta United.

Probable Inter Miami XI:

Callender; Yedlin, Aviles, Kryvtsov, Miller, Alba; Busquets, Gomez, Mota; Messi, Campana

Probable Nashville SC XI:

Willis; Moore, Macnaughton, Maher, Lovitz; Shaffelburg, Davis, Godoy, Muyl; Surridge, Bunbury

Prediction

The primary focus for bettors would likely be the 'Over 2.5 Goals' market, for several reasons:

• Messi's Scoring Spree: Messi has tallied 11 goals in his last nine appearances, indicating that Inter Miami’s attack is currently lethal.
• Nashville’s Poor Defense: Given their recent 4-0 loss against Atlanta United, Nashville SC's defensive frailties are evident.
• Inter Miami's Turnaround: Inter Miami has scored multiple goals in most of their recent wins, making the over 2.5 goals a likely outcome.
• High-Stake Match: Both teams have a lot to play for. Inter Miami seeks to continue their late surge, while Nashville SC aims to halt their slide.
• Previous Meetings: The last time these teams met in the Leagues Cup, the match went to penalties, suggesting that both sides are capable of scoring.
•  

Pick: Over 2.5 goals