Inter Miami vs. Los Angeles Galaxy (April 18): Sunday Major League Soccer Betting Odds, Picks & Predictions
Michael Janosz/ISI Photos/Getty Images. Pictured: Chicharito.
- David Beckham's team finally gets its long-awaited home opener against his former squad.
- The Galaxy had a rather quiet offseason by their standards, but still have Mexico's all-time leading scorer in Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez.
- Ian Quillen details below why he finds value in these teams playing to a draw.
Inter Miami vs. LA Galaxy Odds
| Inter Miami Odds | -159 |
| LA Galaxy Odds | +375 |
| Draw | +320 |
| Over/Under | 2.5 (-161 / +123) |
| Day | Time | Sunday | 3 p.m. ET |
| TV | ABC |
| Odds as of Saturday afternoon via DraftKings. | |
David Beckham-owned Inter Miami finally get their coveted glamorous home opener when they welcome the LA Galaxy on Sunday afternoon.
The Galaxy — where Beckham ended his professional career — were originally slated to be Miami’s first home opponent in mid-March of 2020 before the COVID-19 pandemic halted the season.
More than a year later, Sunday’s game on national network TV in front of a reduced-capacity crowd feels like a second chance for a club that fell well short of its own lofty Year 1 intentions.
It also marks the debut of two managers with their new clubs: Beckham’s former England and Manchester United teammate Phil Neville for Inter, and former Toronto Boss Greg Vanney for the Galaxy.
Inter Miami
However much excitement Sunday brings in Miami, it comes after a week of concerning news.
First, Neville revealed he is planning substitutions for players who are not yet 90-minutes fit after health concerns resulted in the cancellation of three preseason matches.
Then Miami announced it would buy out the contract of 21-year-old attacker Matias Pelligrini to avoid having a fourth Designated Player on the roster, one above the league limit. The league also said the club wasn't compliant with salary rules last year because Blaise Matuidi's contract should've been considered a DP deal then also.
No matter the salary designation, Miami needs better production from its stars. Gonzalo Higuain scored only once in nine appearances after his arrival, and Rodolfo Pizarro had four goals and four assists in 19.
LA Galaxy
For once, the LA Galaxy find themselves outside the spotlight approaching an opener.
After splashing for Mexico's all-time leading international goal scorer Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez prior to 2020, their 2021 offseason was busy but nuanced.
A splash could still come with a permanent move for Boca Juniors’ Cristian Pavon, who was LA’s best player last season while on loan. But that appears unlikely before the end of the primary transfer window.
Not sure what it means from a betting standpoint, but the Galaxy have an unusually multi-generational roster. Some 13 out of 28 squad players are age 23 or younger, and another 10 are age 28 or older.
Betting Analysis & Pick
Neville’s assertion about fitness is a real issue for a squad who will be opening its home campaign in what could be 90-degree, mid-day heat.
As for Los Angeles, it’s a stretch to project anything based on last year’s stats. But given the club has signed new defenders, it’s fair to say Vanney’s first focus is in being tougher to play against.
As the Galaxy’s attack is definitely going to rely on new faces — even with a better year from Chicharito — I had been leaning draw. But the line keeps moving in Miami’s direction. I suspect the English public at work.
You could find a double-chance, Galaxy or draw at +129 odds on Saturday afternoon (an implied probability a tick under 44%) Take it if it's still in that neighborhood.
Pick: Double chance — Los Angeles or Draw (+129)
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