Verdict: Los Angeles FC win
Best Odds: 3/5
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
With local bragging rights up for grabs in the early hours of Sunday, Los Angeles will welcome arch-rivals LA Galaxy to the BMO Stadium.
Los Angeles FC
Starting with the hosts, while Los Angeles might have marked their return from this summer’s Club World Cup with a 1-0 loss at the hands of Vancouver, Steve Cherundolo’s side have come roaring back in some style. Last seen earlier in the week landing a 1-0 victory away at Minnesota, the Falcons have won all of their previous three consecutive MLS appearances. Getting July with a stellar 3-0 win against Colorado, Sunday’s hosts will also be excited by their recent defensive steel. In fact, Los Angeles have not shipped a single strike in almost 350 minutes of action. Looking to defend their Western Conference crown this season, Cherundolo’s men will be confident of extending on their eye-catching flurry this weekend.
Los Angeles FC Team News
Once again dealing with another knee injury, Los Angeles will be without former Juventus youngster Lorenzo Dellavalle here. Likewise, missing out away at Minnesota in midweek, ex-New York Red Bulls defender Aaron Long remains a major doubt.
Now finding the net in all of his previous three consecutive MLS appearances, one-time St. Etienne striker Denis Bouanga will play a leading role in the final third. Now entering his second campaign in California, former Tottenham shot-stopper Hugo Lloris will start between the sticks.
LA Galaxy
As for the visitors, while LA Galaxy might have got July underway with consecutive MLS victories, Greg Vanney’s side have endured a public crisis this season. Rightfully coming under a huge amount of scrutiny, they sit rock-bottom of the Western Conference table and have managed to put just 15 points on the board. Last seen earlier in the week getting hit with a 2-1 loss at home against Austin, the former Toronto boss has a huge amount of pressure on his shoulders. Signing off June with a 2-0 defeat away at Colorado, the Galaxy have also gained a reputation for their glaring issues on the road. In fact, Sunday’s guests have failed to win any of their 14 straight showdowns away from Dignity Health Sports Park so far this calendar year.
LA Galaxy Team News
Dealing with a long-term knee injury and yet to make a single MLS appearance so far this season, former Barcelona starlet Riqui Puig remains on the sidelines. However, aside from the Spanish midfielder, LA Galaxy have reported a clean bill of health.
Bagging what was a consolation strike against Austin earlier in the week and notching a fourth MLS strike of the season, ex-Genk star Joseph Paintsil will play a leading role in the final third. Former Southampton defender Maya Yoshida will start at the back.
Los Angeles FC vs LA Galaxy Key Factors to Consider
- When Los Angeles and LA Galaxy last met back on May 19th, Sunday’s opponents played out a 2-2 stalemate in Carson.
- Los Angeles have suffered just a single defeat from any of their previous five showdowns against their bitter local rivals.
- LA Galaxy have remarkably failed to win any of their 14 away fixtures so far this calendar year.
- Los Angeles have won their previous three MLS appearances by an aggregate score of 6-0.
- Former St. Etienne striker Denis Bouanga has found the net in all of his last three consecutive MLS appearances.
Conclusion
Enjoying what has become a stellar purple patch, Los Angeles will be looking to make another statement here. Winning all of their previous three straight MLS appearances by an aggregate score of 6-0, they will meet an LA Galaxy squad who have gained a reputation for their glaring issues outside of Carson. Remarkably failing to win any of their 14 straight showdowns away from Dignity Health Sports Park so far this calendar year, the Western Conference strugglers face what is a heavyweight challenge when they travel across California this weekend.
Verdict: Los Angeles FC win
Best Odds: 3/5
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
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