MLS: Inter Miami vs. LA Galaxy Picks — Home Team to Continue to Struggle Without Messi? (Aug 16)

A big week for Inter Miami kicks off with a home MLS fixture on Saturday against LA Galaxy, before their attention switches to the knockout stages of the Leagues Cup on Aug 20.

Inter will be required to bounce back to form after a poor showing in their most recent outing against Orlando City. Miami were outplayed and out-battled against City, as they suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat away from home.

The LA Galaxy will also be aiming for a response following a humbling 4-0 loss against the Seattle Sounders last weekend. Like their opponents, the Galaxy will also be looking ahead to a knockout clash in the Leagues Cup.

Inter Miami vs. LA Galaxy Overview

Odds

Inter Miami vs. LA Galaxy Head-to-Head Record

Inter Miami are winless in their two previous clashes against the LA Galaxy. The latest meeting ended in a 1-1 draw in California in February 2024. The Galaxy won 3-2 on their only previous trip to Miami in April 2021.

Inter Miami Team News

Central defender Maximiliano Falcon returns to the first-team squad this weekend. However, Lionel Messi remains unavailable due to a muscle injury.

Possible Lineup

O. Ustari (GK); I. Fray, Falcon, G. Lujan, J. Alba, Y. Bright, S. Busquets, T. Allende, R. De Paul, T. Segovia, L. Suarez

LA Galaxy Team News

First-team star Ricard Puig is still out for the foreseeable future for the Galaxy. Otherwise, the visitors have a fully fit squad for the trip to Miami.

Possible Lineup

N. Micovic (GK); M. Cuevas, M. Yoshida, M. Jorgensen, J. Aude, D. Fagundez, E. Cerrillo, G. Pec, M. Reus, J. Paintsil, M. Nascimento

Inter Miami vs. LA Galaxy Picks

Both of these teams will be aiming for a return to form ahead of crucial knockout stage matches in the Leagues Cup next week.

The Galaxy’s poor defensive record on the road is very hard to ignore ahead of this showdown, meaning that the preference is for Inter to bounce back to winning ways in front of their home fans.