Inter Miami CF vs Houston Dynamo Prediction & Betting Tips - US Open Cup

Prediction published on 26/09/2023, 16:46  by Joseph King | Modified on 27/09/2023 at 12:30 in Football Predictions

The final of the US Open Cup sees Inter Miami looking for their second piece of silverware when they take on Houston. Miami took down the Leagues Cup back in August, the club’s first major trophy, in large part thanks to the arrival of Lionel Messi. The Argentine World Cup winner made his debut in the first match of that competition and his presence boosted Miami to an incredible unbeaten run. Since then, Miami have been chasing a spot in the MLS Playoffs despite resuming play sitting rock-bottom of the East standings. They’ve been able to win four games, draw once and have lost just one in the last six league appearances. Their most recent outing resulted in a 1-1 away draw against a very good Orlando City side. The main news around the team is the status of Messi after missing the previous game. Manager Tata Martino has stated that if this was not a final they “wouldn’t take the risk” but there is a chance we see Messi take to the pitch.

Houston have been dreadful on the road this season and have the biggest difference in home vs away points in the entire MLS. The Dynamo are averaging 2.20 points earned per home match compared to just 0.67 per away game. They’re having a solid season overall as they sit fourth in the West, but that is mainly down to their excellent home results. Unfortunately for them, they’ll have to deal with playing this match on the road. The Dynamo are coming off a 2-1 away defeat to St. Louis City in their last fixture on the weekend. The defeat put an end to a six game unbeaten streak for Houston with four of those matches resulting in victories. They’ll face a quick three-day turnaround after this game to face off with Dallas for the Texas derby.