LA GALAXY will be aiming to build some consistency as they host Colorado Rapids in a Western Conference fixture. Galaxy will be counting on their home record and will be confident of getting the better of Colorado, who often struggle on their travels.
LA Galaxy have not been at their best lately as they head into Thursday’s clash with two defeats in their last three matches. First they were beaten in the derby before suffering a 2-0 defeat at Dallas in their previous MLS fixture.
The good news for LA Galaxy is that their home record has remained intact in the midst of this slump having lost just once in their last 10 matches. Greg Vanney’s men have won five of the last six in that run but have kept just one clean sheet in their last eight matches in front of their fans.
Colorado Rapids have shown some good form in recent weeks, suffering just one defeat in their last seven matches. Chris Armas’ men have claimed five wins in that run but were held to a 1-1 draw by New York Red Bulls last time out in the MLS.
One of the major issues for Colorado Rapids in recent times is a poor record on their travels. They have lost four of their last five away matches and were beaten 3-0 by Los Angeles in their previous fixture on the road.
How the bookies view it: Galaxy to triumph
LA Galaxy have the upper hand among the bookies and are priced at 8/11 by Betfred to claim the win. An unlikely victory for Colorado Rapids is valued at 11/4 while Betfred is also offering 11/4 for a draw.
Head to head: Galaxy have the edge
LA Galaxy have a 43-38 advantage with 19 draws from 35 previous matches against Colorado Rapids. Both teams battled to a 0-0 draw in their last meeting back in June 2023.
Players to watch: Gabriel Pec to step up
Gabriel Pec could be the one to watch for LA Galaxy as he looks to add to his nine MLS goals this season. The forward has found the net three times in his last three matches and is priced at 7/5 by Betfred to maintain his scoring run.
Colorado Rapids also have attacking quality of their own, particularly Rafael Navarro, who has 11 MLS goals so far. The forward could be worth keeping an eye on to get on the score sheet at 7/4 with Betfred.
Probable line-ups
LA Galaxy will be without Dejan Joveljic, who is currently sidelined with injury. Riqui Puig’s experiment at false nine last time out was unsuccessful, so Miguel Berry should get the nod in attack alongside Gabriel Pec.
Colorado Rapids are unlikely to make too many changes to their team and could retain the same side that drew with New York Red Bulls. Rafael Navarro is expected to lead the line with Kevin Cabral providing support.
LA Galaxy: McCarthy, Yamane, Yoshida, Caseres, Nelson. Delgado, Cerrillo, Puig, Fagundez, Pec, Berry
Colorado Rapids: Steffen, Vines, Maxso, Abubakar, Rosenberry, Larraz, Ronan, Fernandez, Bassett, Cabral, Navarro
Anything else catch the eye?
LA Galaxy and Colorado Rapids have plenty of quality in attack and could be set to serve up goals on Thursday. Over 4.5 goals is priced at 9/4 by Betfred, who is also offering evens for over 3.5 goals.
Given the minimal odds for a straight LA Galaxy victory, a win and both teams to score could be considered at 7/4 with Betfred.
This MLS match between LA Galaxy and Colorado Rapids will be played on Jul 18, 2024 and kick off at 03:30. Check below for our tipsters best LA Galaxy vs Colorado Rapids prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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