MLS: Los Angeles derby and Inter Miami face off against Atlanta United
After three rounds of MLS fixtures, we have another bumper-packed weekend of action to look forward to. In this preview, we will run the rule over the Los Angeles Derby which sees Los Angeles Galaxy face off against local rivals Los Angeles FC in the early hours of Sunday morning. Later that day, Inter Miami host Atlanta United, and we will visit the match odds.
LA Galaxy given reality check by Seattle Sounders
After recording two wins from their first two matches, the LA Galaxy bandwagon came to a crushing halt at the hands of the Seattle Sounders. Inspired by Brad Smith and Raul Ruidiaz, the Sounders enjoyed a 3-0 victory. Ruidiaz opened the scoring in the 20th minute before Smith doubled the Sounders’ lead three minutes later. Then, deep in stoppage time, Ruidiaz rubber-stamped the win.
The Galaxy’s defeat against the Sounders was a reality check. It may just be the wake-up call Galaxy need to rouse themselves into life. More worryingly, Javier Hernandez, who scored a hat-trick in the 3-2 victory over the New York Red Bulls at the end of April, was subdued against the Sounders. Galaxy will need Hernandez firing on all cylinders against Los Angeles FC.
LA Galaxy still have room for improvement
One key takeaway from the defeat to the Sounders was that LA Galaxy still have room for improvement. After the defeat to the Sounders, Galaxy head coach Greg Vanney was keen to impress the learning curve that Galaxy are currently on. He said: “If we were a little bit smarter about some of our decisions, we are better than we are today.”
Los Angeles FC could quickly earn reputation for being draw specialists
Although it is still very early days in the context of the MLS campaign, Los Angeles FC have picked up five points from their first three games. While they may not necessarily be draw specialists at the moment, they could quickly become so if a pattern emerges. Currently, LAFC are sixth in the Western Conference standings.
Inter Miami back on track after opening day defeat
Inter Miami are slowly getting back into the groove. After an opening-day 3-2 defeat at home to LA Galaxy, Inter followed that up with a 2-1 win over Philadelphia Union before they were held to a goalless draw by Nashville SC. Defensively, Inter Miami have tried to make themselves harder to break down.
Inter Miami coach Phil Neville pleased with his side’s resilience
Nashville SC proved to be a hard nut for Inter to break down. However, Inter coach Phil Neville is pleased with his side’s progress, and their approach to the game. He said: “I’m pleased that we had to try to play football, and cause problems for Nashville.” Of course, Atlanta will be slightly trickier.
Just like the Los Angeles Derby in the Western Conference, Inter Miami’s clash with Atlanta United represents a clash between two sides that are fifth and sixth respectively in the Eastern Conference. In their first three games, Atlanta United have only conceded two goals, and scored five times.
But Atlanta United will be reeling from their CONCACAF Champions League quarter-final exit at the hands of Philadelphia. After losing the first leg 3-0, Atlanta could only manage a 1-1 draw, and they subsequently crashed out 4-1 on aggregate. A strong league campaign will be imperative.
Inter Miami v Atlanta United: How past encounters have unfolded
Form is usually temporary while class is permanent as the old saying goes. Ahead of MLS fixtures, the head-to-head record can often give a clue as to how games might pan out. With Inter Miami v Atlanta United, the two sides have only faced each other four times in the MLS.
Miami are yet to taste defeat, as they have won two of the four clashes, while two matches have ended in the points being shared. Last season, Inter drew at home, and they beat Atlanta United 2-1 on the road. It was a fascinating affair, as there were three goals inside the first 11 minutes with Brek Shea grabbing the winner for the visitors.
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