At 7:45 PM on Wednesday, October 2nd, the first-place Inter Miami CF (19-4-8) will travel to take on the Columbus Crew (16-5-9) at Lower.com Field in Columbus, OH. This match features an Inter Miami team that is on a three-match draw streak and has a money line payout of +290.0. The Crew, who are 2nd in the Eastern Conference, have a money line payout of -130.0, and the payout for a draw is +310.0. The over/under goal line is sitting at 3.5 goals.
Inter Miami CF vs. Columbus Crew Matchup At A Glance
- Teams: Inter Miami CF at Columbus Crew
- Where: Columbus, OH at Lower.com Field
- Date: Wednesday, October 2nd
- Betting Odds CLB -130.0 | MIA +290.0 O/U 3.5
Inter Miami CF Preview
Inter Miami CF is in first place in the Eastern Conference, but they have been in a bit of a slump, going 0-0-3 in their last three matches. Overall, they are 19-4-8, and their 65 points are seven ahead of the Los Angeles Galaxy. On the road, Inter Miami has been solid, going 9-2-4. After this match, they will take on Toronto FC on October 5th.
Inter Miami CF has been the top scoring team in MLS this season, averaging 2.2 goals per match. They have failed to reach that average in three straight matches. Luis Suárez is their top scorer, with 17 goals, which is also third in the league. He also leads the club in shots on goal. Lionel Messi is their leader in assists, with 11, and is also eighth in the league in goals scored.
Inter Miami's defense has been up and down over their last six matches, but they have been able to keep their opponents to one goal in three of their last four matches. They will be facing a Columbus Crew offense that is 3rd in the MLS in goals scored. On the season, Inter Miami is 11th in goals allowed, giving up 1.5 goals per match. Drake Callender is 16th in the MLS with five clean sheets this season. He has 98 saves, which is 8th in the league.
Columbus Crew Preview
In their last match, Columbus played to a 2-2 draw against D.C. United on September 28th. Over their last seven matches, the Crew have gone 4-1-2, and they have a record of 16-5-9 overall, which has them in 2nd place in the Eastern Conference. On the road, Columbus has been strong, going 8-3-5, while at home, they are 8-2-4. Overall, they have been favored in 24 of their 30 matches, going 12-5-7 in those contests. Following this match against Inter Miami CF, Columbus will be at home once again, taking on the Philadelphia Union on October 5th.
The Columbus Crew's offense has been one of the most potent in the league this season, as they are currently 3rd in MLS with 2.0 goals per match. They have also increased their shots on goal in each of their last four matches. Cucho Hernández has been their top scorer, as he is 6th in MLS with 16 goals. He has also taken the most shots on goal for the team and is 13th in the league in that category.
Heading into their match against Inter Miami CF, the Columbus Crew's defense is ranked 1st in goals allowed per match (1.0). However, they have struggled as of late, giving up nine goals over their last five matches (1.8). They are also 13th in blocked shots and 23rd in interceptions. Keeper Patrick Schulte is 3rd in clean sheets (10) and 20th in saves (70).
Inter Miami CF vs. Columbus Crew Head To Head
Inter Miami CF and Columbus Crew have already faced off once this season, with Inter Miami coming away with a 2-1 victory. In that match, Inter Miami had seven shots on goal compared to four for Columbus Crew.
Inter Miami CF vs Columbus Crew Free Pick
Even though Columbus is the better defensive team, we have this one projected to end in a 2-2 draw, with a payout of +310.0. Coming into the match, both Columbus and Inter Miami are in the top two in the league in terms of shooting percentage. Our projections have Lionel Messi as the top player with the best chance to score a goal for Inter Miami, while Cucho Hernandez is the top projected goal scorer for Columbus.
- KnupSports.com Free Betting Pick: DRAW +310.0
