DAVID BECKHAM’S Inter Miami kickstart a new era as they prepare to take on LAFC in the MLS opener.
The Florida outfit travel to Los Angeles for their first-ever competitive match in what has been almost eight years in the making.
David Beckham’s Inter Miami will finally make their MLS debutCredit: Alamy Live News
Yet, the opening clash will not be easy for Inter Miami with LAFC claiming the Supporters’ Shield for best regular season record last year – in only their second campaign.
What time does LAFC vs Inter Miami kick off?
This MLS opener will take place on Sunday, March 1.
It will kick off at 10.30pm UK – that is 2.30pm in LA, and 5.30pm Eastern Time.
The match will be held at Banc of California Stadium.
What TV channel is it on and can I live stream it?
LAFC vs Inter Miami will be shown live on Sky Sports Football with coverage underway from 10.30pm.
Sky Sports Main Event will also show the action, but their coverage starts at 11pm.
Sky Sports customers can live stream this match via the app on their computer, tablet and mobile devices.
Alternatively, you can purchase a Sky Sports Day Pass from NowTV for £9.99.
In the US, viewers can watch on ESPN+.
What is the team news?
Beckham’s MLS side includes former Celtic winger Lewis Morgan, along with Panama captain Roman Torres – who faced England in the 2018 World Cup.
They will be coached by ex-Monterrey manager Diego Alonso, while among his assistants is Anthony Pulis, son of former Stoke City, Crystal Palace and Bournemouth boss Tony.
As for LAFC, they have a star-studded line up featuring former Arsenal youngster Carlos Vela and ex-Southampton youth product Bradley Wright-Phillips.
Goalkeeper Kenneth Vermeer has joined the club in the off-season from Feyenoord, having previously turned out for Ajax, while 21-year-old Diego Rossi is another of their star performers.
Stat attack!
- LAFC lost in the Conference Finals to eventual MLS Cup winners Seattle Sounders last season
- Carlos Vela was the league’s top scorer last year with 34 goals, four more than LA Galaxy’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic
- Inter Miami are not the only new side in MLS this season, with Nashville SC also joining to take it 26 teams
What are the odds?
No surprise that MLS giants LAFC are massive favourites to kick off the new season with a win.
They are 4/11 to win, while Inter Miami are 11/2 to make a winning start to life in MLS.
Even less hope has been given to Beckham’s team should the hosts score, as they are priced at 8/1 to win with both teams grabbing goals.
And a clean sheet for the newbies is 9/1.
Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes and correct at time of publication.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
