Prediction: LAFC vs Real Salt Lake

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 10/3

Bookmaker: 888sport

The Euros and Copa America have officially come to an end and in its place, major European leagues across the continent are set to get underway shortly. However, there are a couple noteworthy top tiers that are already deep into their campaign already – including Major League Soccer. All clubs are pushing for a place in the playoffs and today, we’ll be previewing what should be an intriguing battle of styles between LAFC and Real Salt Lake.

LAFC

The Supporters’ Shield win back in 2019 proved why Los Angeles FC is a team to be feared but after failing to go all the way to MLS Cup glory, many wonder whether or not they’re going down to slip back down the ranks of irrelevancy. That may seem like a harsh way of putting it but given the talent they have at their disposal, they need to do everything in their power to get firing on all cylinders as the race to the playoffs continues.

Real Salt Lake

Real Salt Lake have one MLS Cup triumph to their name stemming back to 2009 and ever since then, they’ve been a bit of a yo-yo club. Nobody can ever really figure out whether they’re coming or going but this season, we’d say they’re just happy to be in the playoff mix. There’s no guaranteed suggestion of them going all the way but if they can string a few impressive wins together then the sky is the limit.

Factors to Consider

• Los Angeles are 5th in the Western Conference whereas Salt Lake are 6th.
• Los Angeles have won three, drawn one and lost two of their last six games.
• Salt Lake have won one, drawn three and lost two of their last six games.
• Los Angeles have scored eight goals and conceded five in their last six games.
• Salt Lake have scored nine goals and conceded seven in their last six games.

Conclusion

When you’ve got two sides with great technical ability and a tendency to get nasty when they need to, and you combine it with their desire to qualify for the playoffs, it’s safe to say we can expect an interesting game. LAFC know how to win games but they also have a certain complacency within their style that Salt Lake, who are more prolific goalscorers, should exploit. In conclusion, we’re going to back a 2-2 draw that is bound to get neutral fans talking.

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 10/3

Bookmaker: 888sport