Columbus Crew vs. Inter Miami: Picks, Predictions, Odds and Player Props

Inter Miami head to Ohio on Saturday to take on Eastern Conference pacesetters Columbus Crew in a battle of MLS’s last two undefeated teams.

It’s a huge week for the South Floridians, who will also face Western Conference leaders Vancouver Whitecaps in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinals next Thursday.

The Herons will make two more long journeys on the back of last weekend’s 0-0 draw in Chicago and may be running on empty by the end of the three-game road trip.

Columbus Crew vs. Inter Miami betting picks and predictions

Columbus Crew to win (+125)

Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano will need to juggle his resources carefully to maintain their challenge on all fronts and it will be interesting to see if Lionel Messi plays in both of these next two games.

The Argentinian star, who was rested to prevent burnout earlier this year, was unable to inspire his side to a win at Soldier Field last weekend in their goalless draw with Chicago Fire.

Although he hit the woodwork twice from free-kicks, the Herons created little of note from open play, with Messi’s fellow South American star Luis Suarez denied a late winner by a clear offside call.

The Herons slipped to fourth, three points behind the Crew, who claimed a third-straight win when they triumphed 2-1 at struggling St. Louis City.

Wilfred Nancy’s side signalled their intent to win the Supporters’ Shield title, that Inter Miami claimed in 2024, by striking a blockbuster cash trade with Philadelphia Union for striker Daniel Gazdag last week.

He impressed in a 45-minute debut in St. Louis last Sunday as he looks to forge a fruitful partnership with the Crew’s South American star Diego Rossi.

Columbus may have ceded home advantage by taking this marquee matchup to Huntingdon Bank Field, home of the Cleveland Browns, but they will receive plenty of backing from a crowd of more than 60,000.

Nancy’s side are an energetic team who deploy a high defensive line and rarely lack a cutting edge in attack. They could justify their tag as favorites for this game if Gazdag and Rossi thrive or Inter Miami’s recent slump continues.

Mascherano’s men have taken only two points from their last two MLS matches while scoring one goal and they have drawn blanks in each of their last two road trips in all competitions.

Next Thursday’s trip to BC Place to face Vancouver also looms over them and if there is even the slightest loss of focus from the Herons, they will be punished by the Crew.

Jacen Russell-Rowe anytime goalscorer (+187)

Nancy recently described Jacen Russell-Rowe as the Crew’s best finisher and it is easy to see why the Canadian striker has started all eight of the team’s MLS matches this year.

The 22-year-old combines electric pace with an ability to connect with thunderous right-footed shots.

Russell-Rowe scored his third goal of the campaign in a 2-1 home win over CF Montreal earlier this month and should keep his place in the side despite the recent addition of Gazdag.

Under 1.5 Inter Miami goals (-163)

After losing the first leg of their CONCACAF Champions League quarter-final 1-0 in Los Angeles, Mascherano’s men were held to a 1-1 home MLS draw by Toronto FC.

They overhauled LAFC 3-2 on aggregate with a fine second-leg display at home, but another goalless game followed at Soldier Field.

Messi was unlucky that at least one of his free-kick attempts didn’t get him on the scoresheet last weekend, but the Herons’ lack of penetration from open play may be becoming a problem.

Inter Miami recorded only three shots on target against Chicago and will need to find more of a cutting edge if they are to beat the Conference-leading Crew.

Nancy’s team operate a well-drilled offside trap that caught CF Montreal out several times in their last home game and it may prove too tough for even Messi and company to consistently get in behind.

The Crew have not conceded more than once in their last seven matches in all competitions and their defensive strength can ensure the Herons don’t score more than a solitary goal. 

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Columbus Crew vs. Inter Miami odds

Columbus Crew	+125
Tie	+240
Inter Miami	+220

Columbus Crew vs. Inter Miami player props

Anytime Goalscorer

Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)	+137
Luis Suarez (Inter Miami)	+160
Diego Rossi (Columbus Crew)	+187
Jacen Russell-Rowe (Columbus Crew)	+187
Chase Adams (Columbus Crew)	+260
Lassi Lappalainen (Columbus Crew)	+300
Fabrice Picault (Inter Miami)	+300

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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.