Galaxy's poor home record to continue in LA derby
The Los Angeles derby is the pick of this weeks’ MLS fixtures with Galaxy being the team in far greater need of a positive result, with Los Angeles FC flying in first place. 12 points and two positions in the Western Conference separate these two as LAFC look to assert their authority and continue to distance themselves from the rest of the franchises in the division, ensuring they book their place in the MLS Cup quarterfinals. LAFC’s relatively young history as an MLS franchise has had little success against their cross-state rivals, which will give confidence to the Galaxy squad that is currently lacking in exactly that.
Recent form
History favours LA Galaxy who are the only MLS side that LAFC have faced three times and are still yet to taste victory against, however that is the only statistic that would stand them in good stead for this encounter. Four of their last five losses have come at Dignity Health Sports Park. The table toppers will be licking their lips at the prospect of coming up against a defence with only two clean sheets this campaign. Bob Bradley’s men continue to grow in confidence with an outstanding result last time out, ending Houston Dynamo’s 10-match unbeaten home record this season with a resounding 3-1 win with Adama Diomande grabbing a brace. They have also scored 15 goals in their last six away trips which does not bode well for the currently fragile Galaxy.
Five of LAFC’s last six matches have brought three or more goals with both teams scoring in six of their last seven, whereas LA Galaxy have had under 2.5 total goals in six of their last nine games.
Clash of the Titans
The two most prolific strikers in MLS this season come head-to-head with LAFC’s Carlos Vela far superior statistically to Ibrahimovic of late, though this could really rile up the big Swede to rise to what is the Galaxy’s toughest match of the season so far. Vela has scored in 15 of his 19 appearances this season with a total of 19 goals and 12 assists giving him a clear gap to Ibrahimovic on 13 in second place. The Mexican also found the net in all three of the meetings between the two franchises last year, but Zlatan is a big game player and will have his say on this matchup without a doubt.
LA Galaxy – Los Angeles FC Betting Tip
Los Angeles FC to Win + Over 2.5 goals with Betway at odds of 48/25.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
Zlatan Ibrahimovic showed up in a big way, with a hatrick including a world class volley to equalise to 1-1. Carlos Vela bagged a brace but ultimately the Galaxy ran out 3-2 winners in the hope of resurrecting their season.