Inter Miami v Necaxa Bet Builder Stats & Predictions
Inter Miami v Necaxa
Kick Off: 00:00, Sunday 3rd August
Competition: Leagues Cup
Watch Live: AppleTV
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Inter Miami welcome Necaxa in the second round of the Leagues Cup, with both sides looking to build on their victories in the opening round. Inter Miami ran out 2-1 winners over Atlas thanks to a 96th minute winner, while Necaxa battled to a 3-1 win over Atlanta in another entertaining affair.
Match Stats: Expect goals
Inter Miami’s opening game of the Leagues Cup saw 34 shots, with both sides registering at least 15 efforts on goal. This high shot count was replicated in Necaxa’s opening game, with 33 shots in their 3-1 win over Atlanta. Inter Miami have seen 40 goals across their 11 home games in the MLS this season (3.63 per game), so expect goals again here.
Necaxa finished 5th in Liga MX last season, their nine away games produced 31 goals (3.44 per game). This is the first ever meeting between the sides, so there isn’t a head-to-head record to analyse, but the recent matches from both teams would also suggest that goals are likely here.
Necaxa have seen BTTS in each of their last five matches, four of these matches have also seen over 2.5 goals. Inter Miami have seen BTTS in three of their last five outings, including the first round of the Leagues Cup against Atlas.
Predictions –
- BTTS @ 1.57
- Over 2.5 goals @ 1.45
- Inter Miami 2+ goals @ 1.4
Shot Stats: Messi remains the standout
Messi is still posting astronomical numbers and showed his quality in the first round in providing both assists as Inter Miami ran out 2-1 winners over Atlas. Messi has registered 33 goal contributions across his 30 appearances for Inter Miami this season, despite being 38 years old. As well as setting up both goals against Atlas, Messi had six shots in the game, four of which found the target – showcasing his ability to produce high shot totals.
This remains the case when looking at Messi’s shot numbers in the MLS this season. The Argentine has had 91 shots across his 18 appearances in the MLS this season (5.33 per 90) with 40 of these attempts finding the target (2.34 per 90). His 18 goals in the MLS, despite having an xG of 12.4, highlights Messi’s effectiveness when chances do fall his way.
Predictions –
- Lionel Messi to score anytime @ 1.53
- Lionel Messi first goalscorer @ 3.3
- Lionel Messi 2+ shots on target @ 1.44
Card Stats: Keep an eye on Palavecino v Messi
Agustin Palavecino sits in the heart of Necaxa’s midfield and is set to have a few run ins with Lionel Messi here, seeing as the Argentine has been lining up in a role just behind the striker in recent weeks. Palavecino committed four fouls in the first round of the Leagues Cup against Atlanta, with Necaxa committing 17 fouls overall.
Palavecino lost more duels than any other player on the pitch in the first round clash against Atlanta (11). He picked up three yellow cards across his 17 appearances in Liga MX last season whilst averaging 1.65 fouls committed per 90. He should be more regularly tested here by the quality of Lionel Messi than he is in his domestic league.
Messi was fouled once in Inter Miami’s 2-1 win over Atlas in the first round of the Leagues Cup. Inter Miami drew 13 fouls from Atlas overall and we can expect Necaxa to post a similar number of fouls as they travel to Chase Stadium. Messi has won 31 fouls across his 18 MLS appearances this season (1.82 per 90).
Predictions –
- Agustin Palavecino to be shown a card @ 3.50
By: @AndysBetClubUK
Featured Image: @GabFoligno / Michael Reaves / Getty Images
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