Thu. Nov 21st, 2024
Rapids Miami Preview
Photo Credit: John Babiak

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Five years into their existence in MLS, Inter Miami are finally playing Colorado Rapids. The Pids travel to Chase Stadium tonight looking to keep the good vibes going from their comeback win against LAFC. Miami meanwhile, lost in Concacaf Champions Cup midweek. They’re shot on rest and players.

When: Saturday, April 6 @ 7:30 p.m. MDT

Where: Chase Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

TV/Streaming: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV

Injury News:

It makes sense to start with injuries. Colorado’s got a few new knocks to discuss. Daniel Chacon and Connor Ronan are still out with knee injuries. Jasper Loffelsend has been questionable with a hamstring injury the last few games. He has been ruled out for that injury. Keegan Rosenberry is questionable with a thigh injury.

Rapids fans will waiting to see if Lamine Diack finally makes his debut or if Chris Armas goes with Oli Larraz and Cole Bassett in the middle. If Captain Keegan can’t go, Sebastian Anderson should get his first start of the year.

Miami had a top five-a-side team out just last week. Lionel Messi has missed several games but has returned to training. He was not in the squad for the Thursday CCC game. It seemed very unlikely that he would be in the squad last week. Now it appears possible.

Elsewhere, the following players are also out: Yannick Bright, Facundo Farias, Ian Fray, Serhiy Kryvtsov, Federico Redondo, Robbie Robinson, and Robert Taylor.

Does Tata Martino rest the other Barcelona boys so they can go all out at Monterrey next week? Can he even do that without playing effectively Inter Miami II given the injuries? 

https://twitter.com/jodycrobins/status/1776413098548629774

Inter Miami Talking Points:

Miami came into this year as a presumed favorite for MLS Cup. With the age of the team and Messi to miss several games for Copa America, they weren’t talked about as much as a Supporters’ Shield team. But make no mistake, this is a win now team. Their one of the most talented teams in MLS history. They’re also old, slow, and injured.

When healthy, they’ve been dominate at home. We’ve also seen them limp through games against teams that jump on them early. See that game against New York Red Bulls a few weeks ago.

Colorado Rapids fake it or make it?

The Rapids needed that win against LAFC last week. Djordje Mihailovic got a brace. Moise Bombito continued his great form with a goal. At the same time, this team still isn’t pressing all out. And they’re having trouble creating chances consistently, in possession and transition.

Can they come out and shock a tired or reserve Miami side? Can individual performances get it done if the game plan doesn’t work? Do they have two game plans ready depending on what Miami’s lineup is? If they press and Miami’s sharp on the ball, they could get torn apart like Orlando City was last month. Can they manage the game well and show Miami just enough respect? We’ll see.

Rapids Miami Preview: Betting Odds

Sportsbooks in Colorado like the home side. Even with Messi potentially not playing, Barcelona USA are heavy favorites at -130. A draw is +270. Once again, a Rapids win has the most juice at +320. Who you got with and without Messi playing? Let us know in the comments.

Photo Credit: John Babiak

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