Verdict: Both teams to score in second-half
Best Odds: 13/8
Bookmaker: Unibet
In a contest between two sides seeking some stability this weekend, Los Angeles will welcome New York City to the Banc of California Stadium late on Saturday night.
Los Angeles FC
Starting with the hosts, while Los Angeles might have once again shown their inconsistencies since opening the 2021 campaign, they did land a much-needed victory last time out. Eventually landing themselves what was a deserved 2-1 victory against the Colorado Rapids, Head Coach Bob Bradley now finds his squad with their sights set on breaking into the Final Series spots. Just about landing a top-seven finish in the Western Conference last season, the former USA boss should at least be boosted by his side’s continued success at the Banc of California Stadium. Despite winning just a pair of their opening six MLS matchups this time around, The Whites are unbeaten in each of their last seven home fixtures on the spin continuing on from last season, recording five wins. Looking to land back-to-back MLS wins for the first time this year on Saturday night, Bradley will be calling on leading marksman Diego Rossi to spearhead their charge. Including a brace against Colorado last time out, the 23-year-old has three in his last four MLS contests.
Team News
The duo of Kwadwo Opoku and Erik Duenas remain out with injury issues this weekend and are the only concerns for LAFC on Saturday night.
Former Arsenal striker Carlos Vela should lead their charge at the Banc of California Stadium.
New York City
As for the visitors, while New York might have managed to land those back-to-back victories against Cincinnati and Philadelphia earlier in the season, they have largely struggled to keep up that momentum. While The Pigeons might still find themselves hanging onto their spot in the Final Series positions thanks to their goal difference, Ronny Deila’s side have failed to win any of their last three MLS matchups, including back-to-back stalemates against Orlando and Toronto earlier in the month. Mustering just a pair of wins from their opening six contests in the Eastern Conference after opening the 2021 campaign with a 2-1 defeat against DC United, New York could also still be feeling the effects after their worrying collapse last time out. Despite taking a 1-0 lead against Columbus Crew on home soil, the one-time Celtic boss saw his squad throw away two goals in the final 10 minutes and suffer a last-gasp 2-1 defeat at Yankee Stadium.
Team News
New York have confirmed that they will once again be without Heder and Gedion Zelalem in California.
The Blues are also sweating over the fitness of both Tinnerholm and Alexander Callens this weekend.
Key Factors to Consider
- Each of the last two MLS meetings between LAFC and New York have finished in a 2-2 draw.
- Including a brace last time out, Diego Rossi has bagged three goals in his last four MLS matchups.
- Saturday’s opponents have recorded just a pair of wins from their opening six MLS matchups this season.
- Four of LAFC’s last five matchups have finished with both teams finding the net by the final whistle.
- Likewise, each of New York’s last three contests have finished in an identical outcome.
Conclusion
On paper, we could have another lively affair at the Banc of California Stadium this weekend. Managing to eventually land themselves a deserved 2-1 victory against Colorado last time out, Los Angeles now have their sights set on landing back-to-back MLS victories for the first time this season when New York come to town on Saturday night. However, while the red-hot Diego Rossi might have bagged himself three goals in his last four MLS matchups, The Whites have shown some extended problems at the back. Up against an NYCFC side that are also in the midst of their own blip following that collapse in their 2-1 defeat against Columbus Crew on home soil, it should also be noted that Saturday’s opponents have a habit of producing fireworks. Playing out back-to-back 2-2 draws in their last two MLS meetings, we’re backing a similar outcome this weekend.
Verdict: Both teams to score in second-half
Best Odds: 13/8
Bookmaker: Unibet
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