Colorado Rapids will take on LA Galaxy on Thursday, 26 June, as Major League Soccer (MLS) enters the second half of its season.
The clash between the Rapids and the Galaxy will take place in the Western Conference, and it's a big one for the hosts as they look to retain their position inside the playoffs.
For LA Galaxy, the reigning MLS champions, the chances of making the playoffs and defending their title are now incredibly slim after picking up just one win from their first 18 matches this season. Can the unlikeliest of comebacks begin in Colorado this week?
How the bookies view it: The hosts start as narrow favourites
Colorado Rapids come into this match as the narrow favourites with the bookies, but the pricing suggests this should be a close match. BoyleSports have priced a home win at 11/10, while a win for the Galaxy has been priced at 15/8. The draw, which isn't helpful for either team, has been priced at 5/2.
Head to head: Advantage Galaxy
One reason why the bookies are being a little cautious with their odds is likely due to LA Galaxy's recent record in this fixture. The MLS champions have won their last four matches against Colorado and haven't lost at DSG Park in three years. The Rapids' last win over LA Galaxy was a 3-1 victory in May 2023.
Players to watch: Battle of the playmakers
Thursday's match will put two of the most creative midfielders in MLS up against each other, in what should be a scintillating encounter.
Colorado's Djordje Mihailovic doesn't have the returns that he deserves so far this season, and he is second only to San Jose's Cristian Espinoza when it comes to the number of key passes he has made in the league so far this season. Last season, the 26-year-old totalled 13 league assists, further evidence of his ability to unlock a defence.
While Mihailovic is an MLS stalwart, LA Galaxy's Marco Reus is someone who played the best years of his career in Germany. The 36-year-old's best years are behind him, but he has shown what he is still capable of in recent weeks, registering two goals and five assists in his last five outings for the club.
Predicted line-ups
Colorado are set to be without Zack Steffen and Ali Fadal for this one, but there is hope that Alex Harris could return despite still nursing an ankle injury. LA Galaxy, meanwhile, have been ravaged by injuries all season and for this clash, they are missing Diego Fagundez, Riqui Puig and Miguel Berry.
Colorado Rapids: Hansen – Cannon, Maxso, Murphy, Vines – Larraz, Atencio, Ronan, Mihailovic – Navarro, Harris
LA Galaxy: Micovic – Yamane, Zanka, Yoshida, Nelson – Parente, Sanabria – Pec, Reus, Paintsil – Nascimento
Anything else catch the eye?
While LA Galaxy have been the worst team in Major League Soccer this season, their recent form is better than that of their opponents. The Rapids have lost six of their last eight matches, while LA Galaxy have perhaps turned a corner after picking up four points from their last two matches. LA Galaxy or draw double chance is priced at 4/6 with BoyleSports.
Colorado Rapids vs LA Galaxy Betting Tips & Predictions
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