HOUSTON DYNAMO will be aiming to bounce back from a defeat last time out as they welcome Los Angeles to Shell Energy Stadium for an MLS clash. The hosts have been a bit erratic and home and find things difficult against Los Angeles, who have done some good work on their travels.
Houston Dynamo are coming off a 3-2 defeat at Real Salt Lake in their previous MLS fixture. They took an early lead through Ibrahim Aliyu and were fortunate with an own-goal but were ultimately let down by some poor defending.
While that was only Houston Dynamo’s first defeat in seven matches, a closer look at their form shows they have picked up just three wins in their last 10 fixtures. Benjamin Olsen's men have been just as erratic at home, picking up just two wins in their last seven matches across all competitions.
Los Angeles extended their lead at the top of the Western Conference after claiming a 2-1 victory over bitter rivals LA Galaxy. They raced to a two-goal lead thanks to Kei Kanara and Denis Bouanga and were able to hold on for the win despite conceding after the break.
The result means Los Angeles are now unbeaten in their last 12 matches across all competitions, claiming 11 wins in that run. Steven Cherundolo’s men have also claimed five wins and a draw from their last six away matches but are without a clean sheet in the last three in that run.
How the bookies view it: Los Angeles with slight edge
Los Angeles have the slight edge among the bookies and are priced at 5/4 by Betfred to claim the win. A victory for Houston Dynamo is valued at 9/5 while a draw is set at odds of 9/4.
Head to head: Los Angeles slightly on top
Los Angeles have a 6-4 advantage with four draws from 14 previous matches against Houston Dynamo. Los Angeles picked up a 2-0 victory in the last meeting back in December.
Players to watch: Bouanga to continue fine form
Ibrahim Aliyu is the leading scorer for Houston Dynamo with six goals and could be worth keeping an eye on. The forward has been on target in the last two matches and is priced at 12/5 with Betfred.
Denis Bouanga remains the biggest attacking threat for Los Angeles and will be the one to watch on Monday. The forward has 14 goals this season and is priced at 6/5 by Betfred to maintain his scoring run.
Probable line-ups
Latif Blessing was taken off at half time in the defeat to Real Salt Lake and could be a doubt for Monday’s clash. Sebastian Ferreira could be given a start while Ibrahim Aliyu should continue in attack.
Los Angeles have no new injuries or suspensions and could stick with much of the team that won the derby. Kei Kamara should continue in attack with Mateusz Bogusz and Denis Bouanga providing support.
Houston Dynamo: Clark, Dorsey, Sviatchenko, Micael, Escobar, Herrera, Artur, Ferreira Bassi, Aliyu, Kowalczyk
Los Angeles FC: Lloris, Palencia, Murillo, Long, Hollingshead, Tillman, Sanchez, Atuesta, Bogusz, Kamara, Bouanga
Anything else catch the eye?
There is quality in both attacks and goals could be expected on Monday. Houston Dynamo saw over 3.5 goals in their previous fixture and a repeat is priced at 7/4 with Betfred, who is also offering 8/11 for over 2.5 goals.
Los Angeles scored in both halves in the last meeting with Houston Dynamo and could be set for a similar pattern at 21/10 by Betfred.
This MLS match between Houston Dynamo and Los Angeles FC will be played on Jul 8, 2024 and kick off at 01:30. Check below for our tipsters best Houston Dynamo vs Los Angeles FC prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
