Inter Miami vs Porto predictions: Herons can stay in the hunt
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- Inter Miami are unbeaten in their last four matches
- Porto lost seven of 34 league games this season, their most since 2015-16
- Recommended bet: Inter Miami or draw double chance
Inter Miami were relieved to escape with a 0-0 draw against Al Ahly in the opening match at the Club World Cup and they will be eager to show more of their abilities as the tournament progresses.
The wealthy MLS side have spent heavily on acquiring some of the most famous names in global football but they were soon forced onto the back foot by the Egyptian champions, who missed some big chances to secure the victory.
Another of the Group A sides with room for improvement are Porto, who played out a goalless draw with Brazilians Palmeiras in their tournament opener.
The Portuguese heavyweights went into the tournament with every expectation of reaching the knockout rounds but they were given an early wake up call by Palmeiras, who largely dominated and won the shot count 17 to 11.
Team news
Inter Miami must make late checks on injured quartet Jordi Alba, Gonzalo Lujan, Yannick Bright and David Martinez, who were unavailable for the opening game.
Veteran attackers Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez were kept fairly quiet by Al Ahly but both are likely to retain their places in the starting XI.
Backup Porto goalkeeper Claudio Ramos will be hoping to keep his place after pulling off a string of saves in the 0-0 draw with Palmeiras.
Ramos’ exploits may encourage head coach Martin Anselmi to take his time with first choice Diogo Costa, who has been nursing a thigh strain.
Midfielder Gabri Veiga made his debut after arriving at the club from Al Ahli and is expected to keep his place in the side.
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The stats
Eight of Inter Miami’s last 10 games have featured goals for both teams.
Inter Miami have started the scoring in two of their last three matches.
Two of Porto’s last four wins have been by a 2-1 scoreline.
Four of Porto’s last six games have featured at least three goals.
Prediction
Inter Miami fell below expectations with their poor performance in the 0-0 draw with Al Ahly, but they should be better for the experience and can avoid defeat against Porto at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
The Herons seemed to be distracted by the occasion last weekend and were fortunate to escape with a share of the spoils.
But they performed better in the second half and can raise the bar a little higher against Porto, who look vulnerable odds-on favourites.
Porto are one of the traditional big three in Portugal but they had an ordinary season, finishing 11 points below champions Sporting CP.
They largely struggled against Palmeiras and could be drawn into a close contest by Inter Miami, who might rather enjoy assuming the role of the underdog.
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