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

Reigning Leagues Cup champions Inter Miami begin the defense of their title this weekend when they meet Mexican side Puebla in Florida. 

A year ago, Lionel Messi's arrival saw the Herons surge towards silverware in spite of their MLS struggles. This time around, they enter the Leagues Cup with the best record across the league, but they're without their injured talisman.

Inter Miami's recruitment has helped them leap up the Eastern Conference standings and they'll be hoping that extra depth can see them make a winning return to Leagues Cup action. 

Puebla vs. Inter Miami betting picks and predictions

Inter Miami to win and both teams to score (+187)

Inter Miami head into this contest having won six of their last seven games, even with Messi away on Copa America duty during that stretch. While the Herons have put together a brilliant winning run, each of those seven games have finished with both teams scoring.

Gerardo Martino's side have gone 10 matches without keeping a clean sheet and that should lead to a high-scoring clash with Puebla. The Liga MX side have made a patchy start to their new domestic campaign, failing to win each of their last three games. 

However, Puebla have managed one clean sheet since November last year. They've conceded twice or more in 22 of their last 25 matches and also conceded four goals to Minnesota United in their first Leagues Cup game last summer.

Inter's winning run has made them short-priced favorites against a Puebla side that has suffered defeat in 13 of their last 16 outings. However, both teams have scored in four of their last five matches, so take the Herons to win and concede. 

Over 1.5 first half goals (+125)

Goals are expected in this one and it's likely we won't have to wait very long. Each of Puebla's last three games have featured at least two goals before half-time, while the same has landed in four of Inter Miami's previous six.

Inter were ruthless in the Leagues Cup last season, opening the scoring in all seven games. In their final six games, they were ahead within 23 minutes in each of them, striking within the first 10 minutes of play in four of those matches.

Puebla look low on confidence and defensively vulnerable. With the Floridians now boasting an impressive array of attacking options, Messi's absence shouldn't lead to a quiet opening 45 minutes. 

Back Los Camoteros' poor defense and the Eastern Conference leaders' high-scoring form to combine for an entertaining first half.  

Inter Miami to win 3-1 (+1100)

Inter Miami are worthy favorites and they should make short work of the side placed 13th in Liga MX. The Herons have won 2-1 in five of their previous seven games but this clash looks set to be a more comfortable victory. 

Jose Manuel de la Torre's Puebla side head into this contest having conceded eight goals across their previous three games and they've scored exactly once in five of their last six. 

Inter Miami's return of 33 goals in 13 MLS games at Chase Stadium points to them running away with this one. Puebla are out of form and struggling to keep opponents at bay, while the Herons were a blistering force in the Leagues Cup last term.

With that in mind, a 3-1 victory for Inter Miami appeals in this clash. They've won by that scoreline on three occasions in MLS this season, with five of their eight home victories coming by two clear goals. 

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Puebla vs. Inter Miami odds

Puebla	+450
Tie	+300
Inter Miami	-175

Puebla vs. Inter Miami player props

Anytime Goalscorer

Luis Suarez	-120
Leonardo Campana	+105
Leo Afonso	+187
Shanyder Borgelin	+187
Robert Taylor	+210
Benjamin Cremaschi	+240

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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.