Verdict: LA Galaxy win
Best odds: 87/100
Bookmaker: ZetBet
An exciting clash at Dignity Health Sports Park when La Galaxy welcomes Colorado Rapids contesting the Western Conference supremacy, is about to unfold. Over 25, 000 fans will push the Los Angeles outfit towards their 13th win of the season that could see the hosts back at the top of the table at the end of this round.
LA Galaxy
Starting their campaign with a home draw (1-1) against a star-studded Inter Miami, La Galaxy took the Western Conference by storm. The visitors announced their ambitions early on following an excellent run with a single defeat after nine rounds making LA Galaxy a top contender for the Western Conference crown.
Established as one of the most successful soccer teams from the Northern Emispheper with domestic and continental silverware, Los Angeles is in a great position to reign supreme at the end of this term. However, while the hosts played at the highest level most of the time, bitter rivals Los Angeles FC and Real Salt Lake City are in top positions above LA Galaxy. Still, with all three heavyweights of the Western Conference counting the same points and separated by the goal difference, a fierce fight to the end is expected.
Despite having a formidable month with seven wins and a single loss throughout June, LA Galaxy dropped the rhythm in the last three rounds. Although a painful defeat in the El Traffico derby that saw bitter rivals Los Angeles FC winning all points at stake (1-2 final score), Los Angelinos recovered quickly with a home win against Minnesota United (2-1).
Yet, despite this recovery, Grev Vanney’s team was seen dropping another three points at Dallas in the following game, allowing bitter rivals Los Angeles to claim the top after LA Galaxy’s worst performance seen this term. Subsequent to the Colorado Rapids contest, Los Angelinos will be host to Portland Timbers, a game that Greg Vanney’s team must win.
Team News
Despite having three unavailable players, Grev Vanney has a lot of options to address the shortcomings. Still, some issue needs to be addressed in the defensive line with defensive midfielder Gaston Brugman and left back Julian Aude sidelined.
Colorado Rapids
The one-time MLS Cup winner has an excellent season with real chances to win the Western Conference. Although Colorado Rapids are engaged in a fierce battle with the two Los Angeles giants and Salt Lake City, a strong finish to their campaign can overturn Denver’s outfit’s 5-point deficit.
While the visitors failed to make an early impression after recording a single win in the opening five rounds, an excellent run with five wins from the last seven games cemented Colorado Rapids, play-off spot. However, despite being a dominant force in front of their fans, the Rapids failed to make a statement on the road. With six defeats from 12 games, the visitors underdogs label holds against LA Galaxy.
Yet despite this negative away record, Colorado Rapids benefited from a favourable schedule by playing the last three games at home. More so, Chris Armas’ team jumped in the standings by remaining undefeated in these matches (W2D1), results that boosted Rapids’ confidence before travelling to LA.
The visitors need a positive outcome in LA as they will face another tricky home test against an in-form Western Conference contender, Real Salt Lake. If the Rapids remain undefeated following these difficult games, securing a presence in the play-off will receive a major boost.
Team News
Centre-back Daniel Cachon is the only unavailable player. The Costa Rica international has been out since September 2023 after suffering a cruciate ligament tear. Although the player is nearing a year since being injured, he will likely not play until the regular season ends.
Key factors to consider
- LA Galaxy is difficult to beat at Dignity Health Sports Park (W7D3L1)
- The hosts lost two games in the last three rounds
- Los Angelinos scored 25 goals in the MLS games played at Dignity Health Sports Park
- Colorado Rapids has an excellent recent record on LA Galaxy’s turf (W2D1L1)
- The visitors lost six of their 12 games played away from home
- The Rapids are undefeated in the last three rounds (W2D1)
Conclusion
LA Galaxy’s home dominance with a single MLS loss during the season is about to extend. While Colorado Rapids is in great form remaining undefeated in the last three games, the visitors’ unconvincing away displays predict a win for the Los Angeles outfit.
Verdict: LA Galaxy win
Best odds: 87/100
Bookmaker: ZetBet
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