Philadelphia Union vs Inter Miami tips: Lionel Messi and co to face toughest test yet
- George Dempsey
- 15 August 2023
Philadelphia Union will play host to Inter Miami at Subaru Park in the Leagues Cup semifinals this midweek.
Lionel Messi and co will face a stiff test against a Philadelphia Union side who have lost just once in 45 home matches.
Leagues Cup betting tips
Bet: Over 2.5 goals & Both teams to score
Bet: Both teams to score in second half
Philadelphia Union vs Inter Miami
Inter Miami have been flying since the arrival of Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, but they have largely enjoyed home comforts.
Their sole match on the road came in Dallas as they valiantly fought back from 4-2 down late on to force extra time and win on penalties, but it showed vulnerabilities.
It's no secret that most MLS clubs look like a different side on their travels than they do at home, so there are a lot of eyes on this game.
Philadelphia left it late when beating Queretaro 2-1, a side they'd beaten 5-1 earlier in the competition, but were good value for the victory.
Jim Curtin's side did particularly well to cope without Alejandro Bedoya, Daniel Gazdag and Julian Carranza, but he's confirmed all three will be available for the semifinals.
The Union have lost just once in 45 home matches across all competitions, scoring 109 goals during that period and netting at least three goals on 19 occasions.
This is the toughest test yet for Miami who have struggled this season, but it's notable that the arrival of the ex-Barca trio has raised the level of the players around them.
Robert Taylor, Josef Martinez and Dixon Arroyo have all stood out in recent weeks, the former in particular elevating his game to new levels.
However, the defence is far from the finished product. Tata Martino's style of defending from the front has helped, but Philly will find ways around that pressure.
Orlando were level at 1-1 at half-time, Dallas scored four and Charlotte fell behind against the run of play and did enough to score on the evening.
Miami were beaten 4-1 by Philadelphia here six weeks ago so this will be the perfect measure of just how far Inter have come. We don't think it will be plain sailing this evening.
