Prediction: Los Angeles FC vs FC Dallas

Verdict: Home win to nil

Best odds: 5/4

Bookmaker: Unibet

In Sunday morning’s Major League Soccer fixture, third-placed Los Angeles FC will face struggling FC Dallas at the Banc of California Stadium.

Los Angeles FC are just three points off the top of the Western Conference with a game in hand on those above them. On the other hand, FC Dallas finds themselves in 12th place, just two points from the bottom and already six points behind the MLS Cup play-off spots.

Los Angeles FC

Los Angeles FC enter this game on the back of a remarkable 2-0 victory over Minnesota United, propelling them ahead of Eric Ramsay’s side and into third place in the Conference ahead of this clash.

This win marked the Black and Gold’s sixth consecutive victory across all competitions, showcasing a significant turnaround in form after managing just four wins in their opening 11 fixtures of the season.

Since joining MLS as an expansion team in 2018, Los Angeles FC have established themselves as one of the most competitive sides in the division. They have already lifted two Supporters’ Shields, in 2019 and 2022, and secured one MLS Cup title in 2022. Moreover, they were runners-up in the previous season, narrowly losing 2-1 in the final to Columbus Crew.

Despite a challenging start to the current campaign, Steven Cherundolo’s side have managed to claw their way up the table with their recent impressive run. They now sit just seven points behind MLS leaders Inter Miami, who have played two more matches than Los Angeles.

The hosts have been formidable at their home ground, amassing the most points of any team when playing at the Banc of California Stadium. With 20 points from eight games and yet to suffer a defeat at home, they will be approaching this fixture with considerable confidence.

Team News

The hosts will have to make do without Lorenzo Dellavalle and David Martinez, as both players are set to continue their recovery on the sidelines until later next month.

Erik Duenas deputized for the suspended Eduard Atuesta in their recent win over Minnesota United but was forced off with an injury in the 71st minute. Consequently, Atuesta is likely to reclaim his spot in the starting lineup after serving his suspension.

Ilie Sanchez and Kei Kamara made appearances off the bench in the last match after returning from injury. Although they may not start, they are expected to be available as substitutes once again in this fixture.

FC Dallas

The visitors suffered their seventh defeat in the MLS, succumbing to a 3-1 loss against Los Angeles Galaxy in their previous match, which halted a five-game unbeaten streak.

Although they began their campaign with a victory over San Jose Earthquakes, Dallas encountered a tough start to the season, enduring a winless run of seven matches, with five losses and two draws during that period. Following a win and a loss, they then went on a five-game unbeaten streak before facing a dominant performance from LA Galaxy in their recent encounter.

Nico Estevez’s team is one of only three in the entire MLS yet to secure an away win, having garnered just two points from seven away matches.

Their upcoming visit to the Banc of California Stadium doesn’t appear promising for their quest for their first away victory, as Dallas have failed to win in any of their five competitive visits since the hosts joined the division.

Team News

Dallas will be missing Alan Velasco and Geovane Jesus, who are still recovering from long-term cruciate ligament injuries, along with Paxton Pomykal, who is sidelined due to a knee injury of his own.

Additionally, Nkosi Tafari received a pair of yellow cards and consequently a red in their recent loss to LA Galaxy, which means veteran Omar Gonzalez is expected to step in and replace him in the central defence.

Conclusion

Los Angeles FC should not only be able to win this game, but to do it with a clean sheet to boot. They didn’t concede a single goal in their last five games, and Dallas’ ability to break that run is extremely doubtful.

Verdict: Home win to nil

Best odds: 5/4

Bookmaker: Unibet