Our prediction for this MLS match:
Mercedes-Benz Arena will host Thursday’s MLS game between Atlanta United and Inter Miami. The Five Stripes suffered a 1-0 loss at Philadelphia at the weekend, but they are on a three-game winning run at home ahead of the visit of Inter Miami. Both Hyndman and Sejdic are sidelined with injuries, while Argentina international Ibarra is a major doubt. As always, a man to watch in the home team will be Josef Martinez, who has been producing fine displays in the Major League Soccer ever since he returned from injury.
As for the visitors, they have been struggling at the back of late. Since Inter Miami conceded nine goals in total in back-to-back defeats to Nashville (1-5) and New York Red Bulls (0-4), we are tempted to put our money on the hosts. All Alvarado, Fray, and Jones miss out with injuries for the away team, while Figal returns from suspension.
Highlighted Player (Josef Martinez):
Josef Martinez started his senior career at Caracas, but he made no more than 36 league appearances for the Venezuelan outfit from 2010 to 2012. Martinez then moved to Europe and the 170-cm tall striker scored 4 goals in 34 appearances for the capital club. In the 2013/2014 season he played for fellow Swiss outfit Thun (on loan) and on June 7, 2014 he signed a contract with Serie A team Torino.
In December, 2017 Josef Martinez scored his first ever goal in the Italian top flight in a 2-2 draw with Palermo. The Venezuela international currently plays (on loan) for Atlanta United in MLS and he made his debut for Gerardo Martino’s team against New York Red Bulls. Speaking of his international career, Martinez made his Venezuela debut against El Salvador, coming from the bench after 76 minutes.
On November 10, 2016 he scored a hat-trick for La Vinotinto in a thrilling 5-0 victory over Bolivia and it has to be noted that he has four caps (two goals) for Venezuela U20 team.
Highlighted Team (Inter Miami):
Inter Miami is an American football (soccer) club that has been competing in the Major League Soccer since 2020. The Herons faced Los Angeles FC on their MLS debut, with the team suffering a 1-0 loss at Venue Banc of California Stadium.
Inter Miami recorded their first MLS win on August 23, 2020, with the team beating Orlando City 3-2 during the coronavirus pandemic. The Herons wear white shirts and violet shorts when playing at home, while black is the dominant colour of their away jersey. Inter Miami welcome their rivals at Inter Miami FC Stadium, the venue which can hold no more than 18,000 spectators.
The stadium was opened on July 18, 2020. Former Manchester United and England ace David Beckham shares the ownership of the club with the likes of Marcelo Claure, Jorge and Jose Mas, and Masayoshi Son. Uruguay tactician Diego Alonso is the first head coach in the history of the club.