Sounders to blast early Western MLS leaders LAFC
Seattle Sounders welcome Los Angeles to the Lumen Stadium for an MLS Western Conference clash. The visitors currently top the table and enjoy a four-point lead at the time of writing, though the hosts, down in seventh, have at least a game in hand on most teams in the pool. Read our preview here:
Divide and Raúl
Brian Schmetzer's charges are looking for both their third home win on the spin and a major scalp in the form of the conference table-toppers, and he should have the vast majority of the roster to choose from at the weekend. Peruvian striker Raúl Ruidíaz notched his 55th league goal last time out for The Rave Green, equalling the record set for the Washington state based club. The 31 year old is also a big threat from direct free-kicks and will have Fredy Montero up top peeling off the frontline during open play.
Cif lord
The capture of centre back Giorgio Chiellini signals Steve Cherundolo's intent, though the Italian master of his craft will have to wait a fortnight to officially join. In the here and now, he's set to be without six players, including the likes of Carlos Vela, for their flight northwards. Ecuador international José Cifuentes continues to make waves as an attack-minded midfielder in the 3-4-1-2, though he's set to operate behind playmaker Latif Blessing.
Betting tip
Given that the injuries are piling up for LAFC and the hosts are in good nick, bet365's odds of 2.25 for a Seattle Sounders win seem a little overpriced.
