Inter Miami vs. Atlanta United – MLS, May 9, 2021

Following a disappointing exit from the CONCACAF Champions League in midweek, Atlanta United will be hoping for a big response against Inter Miami on Sunday, May 9.

Both sides sit on a record of W1-D1-L1 after three games, meaning they find themselves locked on four points in early Eastern Conference standings.

In this Inter Miami vs. Atlanta United betting preview, I discuss the odds, analyze the teams, and finish by sharing my prediction and pick for Sunday’s clash.

Let’s start by looking at the odds for Inter Miami vs. Atlanta United.

10bet views Inter Miami as the favorite to win on Sunday, leaving Atlanta as the clear outsider. I don’t entirely agree with the bookies, as neither team has been drastically better than the other this season.

At first glance, the big price for the draw stands out to me. But before we get to my Inter Miami vs. Atlanta United prediction, we need to take a closer look at both sides.

Inter Miami may only be three games into the Phil Neville era, but the team already shows signs of genuine improvement.

Neville’s men can count themselves slightly unfortunate to have come away from the opening weekend with nothing to show for their efforts. They lost 3-2 to the Galaxy, despite chalking up 19 shots (eight on target).

However, the Florida outfit secured an impressive victory over Philadelphia in Week 2 – coming from behind to beat the reigning Supporters’ Shield champions 2-1 at PPL Park.

Miami was held to a goalless draw by Nashville last time out, but there is no shame in that. After all, Nashville is one of the toughest defensive teams in the East.

Having struggled to make an impact last year, Gonzalo Higuain already has two goals and one assist under his belt this season. If the Argentine striker continues to produce, the Herons will continue to soar.

While Miami has only completed three competitive matches this year, the Five Stripes’ CONCACAF Champions League commitments have seen them play seven times in 2021.

Atlanta knocked out Costa Rican side LD Alajuelense before suffering a 4-1 aggregate defeat to Philly in the quarter-finals. After losing the first leg 3-1, Tuesday’s 1-1 draw saw the Georgia club bow out of the CCL.

In MLS, Gabriel Heinze’s men secured a warranted goalless draw with Orlando City in Week 1. The following weekend, they extended their unbeaten start to the new campaign by sealing an easy 3-1 victory over Chicago.

But last time out, Heinze suffered his first MLS defeat as ATL UTD head coach. The Five Stripes lost 2-1 to New England, despite dominating possession.

It is clear that Atlanta will see plenty of the ball under Heinze’s watch – dictating games whenever possible. But to start winning on a regular basis, the team will need to be more clinical.

This is set to be an intriguing battle between two new MLS head coaches. Both sides are still getting to grips with a fresh approach and a new style of play, so I can see Sunday’s clash being a tight affair.

Miami is the bookies’ favorite, but Atlanta is more than capable of upsetting the MLS odds this weekend. That’s why the draw – at the tasty price of 3.55 – is my Inter Miami vs. Atlanta United pick.