The MLS regular season concludes on Saturday and Inter Miami will look to tie up second place in the Eastern Conference as they welcome Charlotte to Nu Stadium.
The Herons had a come-from-behind 2-1 against New England Revolution last time out, allowing Lionel Messi and company to leapfrog the Revs going into Decision Day.
All of the playoff places in the East have been decided already but victory over Charlotte will ensure Inter Miami retain their status as number two seeds for the postseason.
Charlotte already know their fate. They, too, are locked into the playoffs and will face Chicago Fire in the first round.
The Crown will need to beat Inter Miami and hope Chicago lose or draw against Columbus Crew in order to pick up home field advantage for that best-of-three series.
Inter Miami vs. Charlotte betting picks and predictions
Inter Miami to win & both teams to score (+110)
With both the Herons and the Crown already bound for the postseason, this game feels like a preamble to the playoffs.
Miami still needs a win to ensure New England Revolution cannot retake second spot in the Conference standings.
Charlotte cannot lose any ground but will need a win and their first round playoff opponents, Chicago Fire, to drop points at home to the Crew. All in all, it feels like both of these clubs will probably settle for what they have going into Decision Day and move towards the playoffs.
Dean Smith's Charlotte side have scored in five successive games including recent 4-0 wins over Montreal and Orlando.
They should get on the scoresheet again but it may come in a losing effort. They are winless in five visits to Miami (L3, D2).
Lionel Messi to score 2 or more goals (+150)
Barring the most unlikely turnaround, Messi will secure back-to-back Golden Boots. With 26 goals in 30 appearances, Inter Miami's talisman leads by four from FC Dallas star Petar Musa.
Even should Messi blank here, Musa would need five goals to overtake him as the tie-breaker favours the Argentine with his assists.
Only five players in MLS history have led the league in scoring twice, and none of them did so in back-to-back seasons.
More history beckons for Messi as he is on track for a third straight Landon Donovan MLS MVP award too, which would be another league first.
If this does turn out to be an open contest, Messi could well add to his tally in style with multiple goals.
Read more betting picks and predictions for soccer on site.
Inter Miami vs. Charlotte odds
Inter Miami | -250 |
Tie | +400 |
Charlotte | +600 |
Inter Miami vs. Charlotte player props
Anytime goalscorer
Lionel Messi (Inter Miami) | -300 |
Luis Suarez (Inter Miami) | -120 |
German Berterame (Inter Miami) | +140 |
Diego Rey (Inter Miami) | +175 |
Idan Gorno (Charlotte) | +175 |
Pep Biel (Charlotte) | +240 |
Read the latest soccer news on site.
This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
