Desperation increases for Inter Miami while Chicharito could fire LA Galaxy to second

Planet Sport writer
1 July 2021

Inter Miami CF desperately need a result against CF Montreal on Saturday, while Chicharito could fire his LA Galaxy side into second place in the pick of this weekend's MLS games...

As the calendar turns into July, the MLS schedule is heating up, with this being the final match week before the Summer transfer window opens.

The new month gives teams a chance to reload with newcomers or to keep charging forward on their current path.

Let's take a look at some of the bigger games this weekend throughout the MLS.

Inter Miami need a positive result

Phil Neville and Inter Miami CF head north for a game against CF Montreal, albeit at a neutral venue. With Canadian teams not yet allowed to host games, this contest will be played at the Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey, on Saturday.

After being shut out in three straight games on either side of the international break, Miami finally scored last week but still lost 2-1 to in-state rivals Orlando City SC. Neville's squad have scored just one goal in the last 360 minutes since a 3-2 win at bottom side FC Cincinnati on May 16. Against Orlando, a 67th minute strike by Gonzalo Higuain gave Miami the lead, but Orlando eventually won the game in the 80th minute as Nani beat Miami for the second time in as many seasons.

Miami lost to Montreal 2-0 in Florida earlier this season, and they are 0-2 against the Canadian side all-time. Montreal drew 1-1 at Nashville last week and they are currently on a three-match unbeaten streak.

Inter Miami are at 7/4 in this neutral-venue game, with the draw at 11/5.

Chicharito can put LA Galaxy in second

Chicharito won the race to 10 goals as the LA Galaxy star blasted two past San Jose in last weekend's 3-1 win. The Mexican striker has helped the Galaxy to 21 points and third place as they get ready to host Sporting Kansas City on Sunday. SKC are two points ahead of the Galaxy in the standings but have also played two more games.

Sunday presents a challenge for SKC as they travel to the West Coast and also have to prepare for a late-night kickoff on America's July 4 birthday. The last time they played at Dignity Health Sports Park, they lost 7-2 as Zlatan Ibrahimovic led the high-flying Galaxy. SKC may be without their second-top scorer as Alan Pulido (six goals) has a foot injury and Gadi Kinda (three goals) is also questionable.

The Galaxy have struggled this season against the good teams in the MLS, with a pair of losses to leaders Seattle Sounders and another to Portland Timbers. They have crushed the weaker teams though, with Chicharito leading the way at a goal per game.

New coach Greg Vanney has opened up the Galaxy, allowing Chicharito freedom to work in the box and latch onto passes from Sebastian Lletget, Jonathan dos Santos and newcomer Kevin Cabral. The defence will have to be strong on Sunday as Kansas City lead the league with 22 goals, and Jonathan Bond has conceded eight goals in LA's three losses.

Chicharito and the Galaxy are 6/4 to move into second place with a win at Planet Sport Bet. A draw is 14/5, while SKC are 7/5 to go back home with all three points.