Inter Miami vs. Porto odds, picks: FIFA Club World Cup predictions, best bets Thursday

Inter Miami were quite fortunate to get anything out of their opening match in the FIFA Club World Cup.

Priced as favorites, the Heronlions were outplayed by Al Ahly and needed several huge stops from goalkeeper Oscar Ustari to keep them in the game.

Inter Miami grew into the game more in the second half, but they never took control of the match and were lucky to get out of dodge with a nil-nil draw. 

The job gets much more challenging against Porto on Thursday afternoon.

FIFA Club World Cup: Inter Miami vs. Porto betting preview

You wouldn’t consider Porto an offensive force in Europe. Playing in the Portuguese Primeira Liga, the Dragons scored just less than two goals per match and averaged 1.7 expected goals per contest.

Those numbers stood out in Portugal’s top division, but the quality of competition in their domestic league isn’t all that impressive. It’s closer to MLS-caliber than Premier League, so to speak.

Porto’s Rodrigo Mora reacts during a match against Palmeiras. AFP via Getty Images

The good news for Porto is they’re not facing Premier League competition Thursday.

They should have their way with Inter Miami’s defense, which has been leaky in MLS and struggled to contain Al Ahly.

The Egyptians could have won that match, 3-0, if Ustari wasn’t standing on his head.

Get the lowdown on the Best USA Sports Betting Sites and Apps

• Check out the best sports betting sites
• Download the best sports betting app

FIFA Club World Cup: Inter Miami vs. Porto pick

Porto’s defense is its strength but you’d expect Inter Miami to have some joy going forward, especially since their best path to success is in a high-event match.

Both teams are coming off nil-nil draws in their opener, but Thursday’s tilt should have a lot more jazz in it, especially since the winner of this match (if there is one) would be in the driver’s seat to advance to the Round of 16.

I expect some chaos in Atlanta on Thursday, and I expect Porto to come out on top.

The Play: Porto to win & both teams to score (+200, FanDuel)

Why Trust New York Post Betting

Michael Leboff is a long-suffering Islanders fan, but a long-profiting sports bettor with 10 years of experience in the gambling industry. He loves using game theory to help punters win bracket pools, find long shots, and learn how to beat the market in mainstream and niche sports.