LA Galaxy vs Inter Miami Preview
Last season’s strugglers LA Galaxy and Inter Miami will face off in the former’s season opener at the Dignity Health Sports Park on Monday, February 26.
The hosts enter this contest on the back of a rather disappointing preseason. They played five games but just won one of those – their last game, which was a 2-0 win over NY Red Bulls. Of the remaining five, Galaxy lost three and drew two, scoring five and conceding 11 goals. Having finished a combined 26th in the MLS last season, Greg Vanney and his squad were looking to master a turnaround in fortunes this time around.
Miami enter this contest on the back of a forgettable preseason as they lost four of their six games. In those six, they scored eight goals and conceded a worrying 13 goals. However, they won 2-0 against Real Salt Lake in their season opener last time around and will look to carry that momentum forward. Goals from Diego Gomez and Robert Taylor saw them stroll to victory but things could be slightly more challenging away from home in their next one.
That said, let’s take a look at the team news coming out from both camps ahead of this clash.
LA Galaxy vs Inter Miami Team News
LA Galaxy
Manager Vanney will begin the new MLS season with a few headaches in terms of team selection. Four players will be missing from the squad for the foreseeable future.
Veteran defender Martin Caceres suffered a knee injury in June 2023 and has been out since, with no clear date of return. Midfielders Gaston Brugman (meniscus) and Mark Delgado (head) are also likely to miss the first few games of the season. Meanwhile, defender Jalen Neal (abdomen) is a doubt for this game.
Inter Miami
Manager Tata Martino will have a multiple players missing for the next few games, starting with LA Galaxy vs Inter Miami.
The trio of Franco Negri, Ian Fray and Facundo Farias are set to be out long-term having picked up cruciate ligament injuries in 2023. Defenders Sergiy Kryvtsov (hamstring) and Nicolas Freire (muscle injury) are also doubtful for the next one. Youngster Benja Cremaschi (groin) could also miss out as he is in recovery.
Predicted Lineups
Here are the LA Galaxy vs Inter Miami lineups:-
LA Galaxy
With exactly 25 players available, LA Galaxy could be testing the waters with such a thin squad for a new season. Vanney is likely to remain with his main core group from last year along with a couple of tweaks.
Predicted XI: Novak Micovic (GK), Miki Yamane, Maya Yoshida (C), Eriq Zavaleta, John Nelson, Deigo Fagundez, Edwin Cerrillo, Marky Delgado, Dejan Joveljic, Gabriel Pec, Miguel Berry.
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Inter Miami
Miami have a deep squad with 32 personnel and an average age of just under 25 years. Tata Martino will have the freedom to rotate as much as he likes but will look to get the season started on a good note. He will continue with the same XI from their win over Salt Lake.
Predicted XI: Drake Callender (GK), DeAndre Yedlin, Tomas Aviles, Serhiy Kryvtsov, Jordi Alba, Julian Gressel, Sergio Busquets, Diego Gomez, Lionel Messi (C), Luis Suarez, Robert Taylor.
Head-to-Head Record
LA Galaxy vs Inter Miami has taken place just once before, with no other meetings on record between the clubs. That game took place at the DRV PNK Stadium in Miami, with LA Galaxy running out 3-2 winners.
Robbie Robinson and Gonzalo Higuian netted for Miami, whilst a brace from Javier Hernandez and a goal off the bench from Sacha Kljestan secured the win for LA Galaxy.
- Inter Miami 2-3 LA Galaxy (04/21)
Prediction
Inter Miami looked rock solid in their last game with their entire backline performing to a high level. Additionally, they looked fluid and up for it in the middle and final thirds, making them look like a strong opponent.
Since it is LA Galaxy’s season opener, it is difficult to tell what mindset they will be in. However, they will put their best foot forward in this one. While they may not win, they will get on the scoresheet.
However, it is hard to look past Miami for this one. Messi and Suarez will be looking to open their scoring accounts for the season, having assisted one each in the previous game.
Prediction: LA Galaxy 1-2 Inter Miami.
LA Galaxy vs Inter Miami Betting Tips
Both teams have scored in three of Inter Miami’s last six games, and four of LA Galaxy’s last six games, making it a viable punt.
These two sides also love goalmouth action, with four of LA’s last six seeing three or more goals scored. Meanwhile, three of Miami’s last six have seen in excess of four goals.
- Both Teams to Score – Yes: 1.44
- Over 2.5 Goals – Yes: 1.49
- Inter Miami To Score a Goal in First Half – Yes: 1.74
LA Galaxy vs Inter Miami Odds
- LA Galaxy Win: 2.70
- Draw: 3.90
- Inter Miami Win: 2.37
LA Galaxy vs Inter Miami Timings & Telecast
- Date & Time: Monday, February 26th at 1:30 AM (GMT).
- India: MLS Season Pass.
- UK: MLS Season Pass.
- US: MLS Season Pass (Match), Apple TV (HLs).
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