Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 4/7
Bookmaker: Luckster
In what could prove to be another action-packed MLS battle in midweek, Los Angeles will welcome Atlanta to California in the early hours of Thursday.
Los Angeles FC
Starting with the hosts, suffering major Concaf Champions League heartbreak at the hands of Mexican outfit Leon last weekend as they eventually slumped to a 3-1 aggregate defeat, Los Angeles suddenly find themselves in the midst of a recent rut. In fact, losing each of their last three appearances across all competitions, LAFC have the feel of a squad seeking a much-needed boost. Likewise, last seen on domestic duties getting hit with a 2-0 defeat at the hands of local rivals LA Galaxy on May 23rd, Steve Cherundolo’s side have also recorded just one win from any of their previous five attempts. Facing what could be another tough challenge in California, the former Hannover coach will have a growing headache over his side’s extended defensive issues. Including a 2-1 defeat away at San Jose last month, it should be noted that Los Angeles have recorded just a pair of clean sheets from any of their last 12 straight appearances.
Team News
Los Angeles will once again be unable to call upon the duo of Maxime Crepeau and Tony Leone in midweek. However, making a first appearance since the start of April while on Concaf Champions League duties last weekend, former Juventus icon Giorgio Chiellini should keep his spot in the heart of Cherundolo’s defence.
Notching 10 MLS strikes in his 12 appearances so far this season, ex-Nimes striker Denis Bouanga will spearhead LAFC’s charge in the early hours of Thursday.
Atlanta United
As for the visitors, coming off the back of an action-packed 3-3 draw at home against New England, Atlanta find themselves in a similar position to Thursday’s opponents. Missing out on a play-off spot last season, Gonzalo Pineda’s side have largely come crashing back down to earth after a bright start to the 2023 campaign. Settling for a single point in each of his last three domestic appearances, the Five Stripes have mustered just a single win from any of their previous eight matchups across all competitions – a run that stems all the way back to a 2-1 win against Chicago on April 23rd. However, despite being tipped as a real underdog pick when they travel to California in midweek, Atlanta should be boosted by their most recent meeting against Thursday’s hosts. Clinching a gritty 1-0 win when they welcomed LAFC to the Mercedes-Benz Stadium back in August 2021, Pineda’s side will be desperate to produce a repeat performance here.
Team News
Both still dealing with respective long-term injury issues, Atlanta will once again be without Osvaldo Alonso and Erik Lopez here. However, 18-year-old Caleb Wiley should return to Pineda’s match-day squad after returning from international duties with the USA’s U20s.
Once again finding the net against New England last week and now bagging four strikes in as many domestic appearances, Georgios Giakoumakis will spearhead Atlanta’s charge in California.
Key Factors to Consider
- When the two sides last met back in August 2021, Atlanta picked up a 1-0 victory at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
- However, the Five Stripes have recorded just a single win from any of their last eight appearances across all competitions.
- Likewise, Los Angeles have lost each of their last three straight contests across all formats.
- Thursday’s guests have also recorded just a pair of clean sheets from any of their last 12 appearances.
- Each of Atlanta’s last six contests on the road have finished with both teams finding the net.
Conclusion
Suffering Concaf Champions League heartbreak at the hands of Leon last weekend, Los Angeles are seeking a much-needed boost in midweek. Showing some extended defensive issues and recording just a pair of clean sheets from any of their previous 12 straight outings, we could be treated to an enjoyable affair in the early hours of Thursday. It should be noted, with Atlanta seeing each of their last six domestic contests away from the Mercedes-Benz Stadium finish with both teams finding the net, we are backing a similar outcome here.
Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 4/7
Bookmaker: Luckster
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