We’re finally at the knockout stage of the FIFA Club World Cup. The advancing teams had some surprises but Paris Saint-Germain was not one of them. The defending Champions League winners won their group with relative ease. Inter Miami advancing was one of the biggest surprises.
The host body chose the MLS side. Their presence was heavily scrutinized as the only team to make the tournament without qualifying. Of course, the attention that Lionel Messi brings played a significant role, but many decried the participation of a team that did not earn it on the pitch. After a key win over FC Porto, they silenced the haters by advancing into the knockout round of 16.
However, the task becomes more imposing against PSG. After their Champions League win, the French side is on top of the world. Being competitive against Portuguese and Brazilian sides is one thing, but this is the best of the best. It would take an incredible performance to stay in striking distance. We’ll see if Miami can run with the big dogs.
PGS is favored at -450 on the Moneyline for this contest on DraftKings Sportsbook. Let’s dig into a prediction, pick, and best bet for this match.
Prediction for PSG vs. Inter Miami
It would be silly to predict anything other than Paris Saint-Germain in this one. They’re so far ahead of Miami in quality in every area of the pitch. Messi is the only player who gives Inter Miami a chance against Lionel’s former club, and even playing at the top of his game, that’s a lot to overcome. The question is how exactly this one plays out.
Will PSG flat-out overwhelm them with a deep offensive attack and strong defense? Can Miami break through and score even once to keep it interesting, or will they pack it deep enough to keep PSG from running away? These are the questions that need answering more than the winner.
Pick for PSG vs. Inter Miami
Over 3.5 Total Goals (-125)
Against a vastly inferior side, PSG could handle this total by themselves. The Parisians managed a 4-0 victory over Atletico Madrid in the first game of the group stage, and I feel a similar result in the cards here.
Messi could generate a goal in this one, but this defense has little hope of containing the front three of Ousmane Dembélé, Bradley Barcola, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. That’s a brutal equation for an Inter Miami side that can’t even contain many MLS clubs. Paris Saint-Germain should win this one comfortably with plenty of scoring.
