The FIFA Club World Cup brings us a very peculiar matchup in the round of 16 – that between PSG and Inter Miami. The interesting bit here is that Lionel Messi will face one of his former teams for the first time in his career. But will he be able to guide Inter Miami past the reigning European Champion, or will his team head out of the Club World Cup?
PSG Team News
After conquering Europe and securing a Champions League trophy, it seems that PSG is on a quest to win another international trophy and boost its credentials. Luis Enrique’s team showed the extent of their capabilities in the group stage, and although suffering a shock loss to Botafogo, they still managed to top their group. That defeat against the Brazilian side is PSG’s only loss across their last 8 competitive fixtures. In all but the Botafogo game, PSG has demonstrated its goal-scoring prowess and netted at least 2 goals per game while also managing to keep a total of 4 clean sheets.
Inter Miami CF Team News
Inter Miami enter the game with PSG as the clear underdog and outsider. Despite boasting names like Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba in their squad, all of the aforementioned are way past their prime. Nevertheless, Inter Miami showed the world that it is not in the Club World Cup by accident and carved a win against Porto alongside 2 draws against Palmeiras and Al-Ahly. That was enough for the team to secure the second spot in Group A, coming behind Palmeiras only because of a slightly worse goal difference. Recent results might be encouraging for Messi and company, as they are undefeated across their last 6 matches.
Head-to-Head Games
No prior H2H statistics exist between PSG and Inter Miami. This will be the first game between the two.
PSG – Inter Miami CF Betting Prediction
Although Inter Miami have made a good showing of not only themselves, but the MLS in general, I cannot see them doing anything substantial against PSG. What is highly likely, in my opinion, is that PSG put the pedal to the metal, even if it is to prove a point to Messi. It is also highly possible that the French will want to win this tournament to boost their reputation. In all of their previous 7 wins, Luis Enrique’s team scored at least 2 goals and even thrashed the likes of Inter at the Champions League Final and Atletico Madrid at the start of the CWC.
If they can score 4-5 goals against such teams, I do not think they will have any issues scoring over 2.5 against Inter Miami. And PSG will certainly have enough incentive to do so. That is why my pick for this game is PSG to score over 2.5 goals.
Betting Tip: PSG Over 2.5 Goals
Bookmaker: Stake
Odds: 1.69
Stake
Place your bet on PSG – Inter Miami CF at Stake