On control of the grid-connected inverter (GCI) with LCL filter, the inverter-side current model predictive control is adopted conventionally. The ultimate grid-side current is controlled indirectly by control of inverter-side current. The ideal scenario is that grid-side current is directly controlled. However, the conventional control model is complicated and the calculation is heavy. This study proposed a novel direct grid-side current model predictive control (GSC-MPC) for GCI with LCL filter. Based on timing coordination of both forward and backward difference methods, a direct connection is established between the grid-side output current and the inverter-side output voltage. Meanwhile, a proper mathematical model is built for an improved model predictive control. The exact required voltage vector in the next sampling interval is predicted and calculated by this model. The output optimal voltage vector is modulated by space vector pulse width modulation technique to control the inverter. Furthermore, the proposed GSC-MPC is rather robust to parameter variation. Simulation and experimental results present that the proposed GSC-MPC can improve the current control performance effectively for GCI with LCL filter.