Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 3/5
Bookmaker: Unibet
In what is a real derby showdown in the early hours of Saturday, Los Angeles will welcome LA Galaxy to the Banc of California Stadium.
Los Angeles FC
Starting with the hosts, coming off the back of a downbeat display last weekend, Los Angeles will be desperate to prove that was just a minor blip. Eventually getting hit with a 1-0 loss away at Vancouver, Head Coach Steve Cherundolo will be glad to make a return to the Banc of California Stadium here. While the Blacks might have seen their four-match unbeaten run come to an abrupt end last time out, the Western Conference outfit should still find the mood in their camp at a high. Opening up this weekend’s MLS fixtures sat holding a two-point buffer over the chasing pack, LAFC have gained a reputation for their continued success on home soil. Last seen in front of their own supporters storming their way to a 3-1 romp against Dallas on May 29th, Los Angeles have lost just a single contest on home soil since way back on February 15th. Likewise, winning each of their last three contests at the Banc of California, Cherundolo’s men could be smelling the chance to lay down a marker here.
Team News
Still dealing with a knee injury, Los Angeles will once again be without Erik Duenasend this weekend.
Likewise, 19-year-old right-back Julian Gaines will also miss out in the early hours of Saturday as he deals with a pelvis issue.
LA Galaxy
As for the visitors, managing to make what was a much-needed return to winning ways last weekend, LA Galaxy will now be looking to find some stability. Storming their way to a 4-0 romp against Montreal last time out, the Whites drew a line under their three-match domestic winless run. Coming under some real scrutiny as they came crashing out of the US Open Cup at the hands of USL outfit Sacramento Republic on June 21st, Head Coach Greg Vanney still finds his side leading the chase to clinch a Final Series spot. However, although the Galaxy might be tipped as a real outside pick in the early hours of Saturday, the former Toronto boss does find his side holding an eye-catching record against LAFC. Picking up what was a thumping 3-1 victory against their bitter local rivals while on US Open Cup duties back in May, they are unbeaten in each of their previous five meetings against Los Angeles.
Team News
After claiming that 4-0 victory against Montreal last week, Vanney will be tempted to name the same starting XI here.
Ending his three-match draught last week, former Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez will spearhead LA Galaxy’s charge on Saturday.
Key Factors to Consider
- When the two sides faced off on US Open Cup duties on May 25th, LA Galaxy picked up a 3-1 victory on home soil.
- Likewise, the Galaxy are unbeaten in each of their last three meetings against LAFC.
- However, Saturday’s hosts have won each of their last three MLS matchups at the Banc of California Stadium.
- LAFC have seen three of their last four domestic home fixtures finish with both teams finding the net.
- Likewise, each of the previous five showdowns between Saturday’s opponents have also finished with both teams finding the net.
Conclusion
After watching their unbeaten run come to an abrupt end away at Vancouver last weekend, LAFC should be glad to make a return to home soil here. Still holding a two-point buffer at the top of the Western Conference, Saturday’s hosts have gained a reputation for their displays at the Banc of California Stadium. However, with the Galaxy shocking many as they stormed their way to a 4-0 romp against Montreal last time out, we could be in for an enjoyable derby showdown. In a contest that tends to produce fireworks, don’t be surprised to see a similar affair here. It should be highlighted, with each of the last five meetings between the Los Angeles rivals finishing with both teams finding the net, we’re backing a similar outcome this weekend.
Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 3/5
Bookmaker: Unibet
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