Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 2/3
Bookmaker: Luckster
Looking to claim an immediate MLS response in the early hours of Thursday, Los Angeles will welcome Real Salt Lake to the BMO Stadium.
Los Angeles FC
Starting with the hosts, watching their purple patch come to an abrupt end last weekend as they fell to an infamous 5-1 drumming at the hands of Columbus, Los Angeles are seeking an immediate response here. Nevertheless, still leading the chase at the top of the Western Conference table and pencilled in as a standout title contender, the Falcons have impressed since opening up the 2024 campaign. Losing just one of their previous 15 MLS appearances – a run that stems back to a 3-1 loss against San Jose on May 5th – Steve Cherundolo’s men have also gained a reputation for their overwhelming success on home soil. Despite suffering that 5-1 defeat a few days ago, Los Angeles have won 11 of their last 13 showdowns at BMO Field across all competitions.
Team News
Shown what was a costly first-half booking against Columbus last weekend, former Barcelona youngster Sergi Palencia will miss out on Thursday as the 28-year-old serves a one-match suspension. Likewise, still dealing with a long-term muscle injury and not making a single appearance across any competition so far this season, ex-Juventus starlet Lorenzo Dellavalle remains on the sidelines.
However, after serving a ban over the weekend, Los Angeles will welcome back USA international Timothy Tillman here. Recording three goals in his previous five MLS appearances, one-time Middlesbrough striker Kai Kamara will spearhead the Falcons’ charge at the BMO Stadium.
Real Salt Lake
As for the visitors, while Real Salt Lake might have opened July in the midst of a real flurry, the Claret and Cobalt came crashing back down to earth last weekend. Eventually falling to a routine 3-0 drumming at the hands of Portland, the Utah-based outfit will be looking to put in a far better account of themselves here. However, while Pablo Mastroeni’s men might have suffered just a pair of MLS defeat since a 2-1 defeat at home against Colorado on March 10th, the former Houston coach will have a headache over his side’s struggles away from America First Field. Crashing out of the US Open Cup on May 9th following an action-packed 4-2 defeat against USL outfit New Mexico, Real Salt Lake have registered just a sole win outside of Utah from any of their last seven showdowns on the road.
Team News
Both shown their own respective first-half bookings against Portland last weekend, the duo of Cristian Arango and former Nottingham Forest youngster Braian Ojeda will serve one-match suspensions here. Still dealing with a long-term muscle injury and not making a single appearance since the end of March, ex-Almeria defender Marcelo Silva remains on the sidelines.
Arriving from Championship outfit Middlesbrough this season, 30-year-old Matt Crooks will play a leading role in the middle of the park. One-time Everton defender Bryan Oviedo could be handed a full recall in the early hours of Thursday.
Key Factors to Consider
- When Los Angeles and Real Salt Lake met for their most recent battle on March 2nd, the Claret and Cobalt stormed their way to a 3-0 romp on home soil.
- Falling to a 5-1 drumming against Columbus last weekend, that is the first MLS defeat that Los Angeles have suffered from any of their last 15 MLS appearances.
- Real Salt Lake have recorded just a single win from any of their last seven away fixtures across all formats.
- Los Angeles have seen three of their last four showdowns at the BMO Stadium finish with both teams finding the net.
- Salt Lake have seen seven of their previous nine away fixtures across all competitions finish with over 2.5 goals.
Conclusion
Two sides who are seeking their own immediate response in the early hours of Thursday, we could be treated to an enjoyable affair from the BMO Stadium. While Los Angeles might open their midweek showdown pencilled in as a landslide contender, they will certainly be concerned by their most recent battles against Real Salt Lake. Slumping to a routine 3-0 drumming when they travelled to Utah back on March 2nd, Thursday’s guests will be looking to spring another heavyweight upset here. It should be noted, with the Falcons seeing three of their previous four home fixtures finish with both teams finding the net, we are expecting a similar outcome.
Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 2/3
Bookmaker: Luckster
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