DC United will visit the Dignity Health Sports Park to face LA Galaxy in an MLS cross-conference clash. Both teams have struggled this season but the hosts appear to be picking up some form lately, especially at home.
Far from the form that earned them the MLS Cup last season, LA Galaxy have the worst record in the league this season having picked up just two MLS wins so far. They are currently at the foot of the Western Conference standings, well off the pace in the playoff race.
However, the good news for LA Galaxy is that their wins this season have come in their last two home matches. Greg Vanney's men claimed a 2-0 victory over Real Salt Lake before easing past Vancouver Whitecaps 3-0 in their previous league fixture.
DC United enter this game following a 5-2 defeat to Nashville in the quarter-finals of the US Open Cup. That result extends their winless run to five matches in all competitions, with four defeats in that stretch and a 0-0 home draw with Atlanta United in their previous league outing.
The defeat to Nashville is also part of a poor record on the road for DC United, who are winless in eight of their last 10 away matches. Troy Lesesne's men have suffered some heavy defeats in that run, like the 6-1 thrashing at San Jose Earthquakes and the 4-1 loss at Orlando City.
How the bookies view it: Bookies backing Galaxy
The bookies have installed LA Galaxy as overwhelming favourites, with BoyleSports offering odds of 6/10 for a home win. A victory for DC United is valued at 10/3, while a draw is set at 3/1.
Head to head: Galaxy with the edge
LA Galaxy have a 10-7 advantage with 13 draws from 30 previous matches against DC United. However, the visitors claimed a 3-0 home victory in the last meeting back in 2023.
Players to watch: Focus on Painstil
After netting a brace in the last match, Joseph Painstil will be the one to watch for LA Galaxy. With Marco Reus and Gabriel Pec providing support in attack, the hosts can be backed to produce over 1.5 goals which is priced at 11/20 with BoyleSports.
Christian Benteke remains the bright spark for DC United, having bagged six goals this season. Gabriel Pirani is a goal threat from midfield and having been on target in the US Open Cup, can combine with the Belgian striker to produce over 0.5 goals for the visitors (DC United over 0.5 goals at 2/9).
Probable line-ups:
Julian Aude should retain his position in defence for LA Galaxy while Reus, who got an assist in the win over Vancouver, is expected to continue in midfield. Painstil is set to continue in attack alongside Pec.
Goalkeeper Luis Barraza missed the defeat to Nashville and should return for this clash. Benteke should lead the line once again, while Joao Peglow is also set to retain his place in the team.
LA Galaxy: Micovic, Yamane, Garces, Yoshida, Aude, Fagundez, Cerrillo, Reus, Pec, Nascimento, Painstil
DC United: Barraza, Peltola, Bartlett, Rowles, Antley, Servania, Enow, Schnegg, Stroud, Benteke, Peglow
Anything else catch the eye?
LA Galaxy and DC United have both scored in three of their last four meetings (BTTS YES – priced at 6/10 with BoyleSports). Two of the last four meetings have produced over 3.5 goals – available at odds of 6/4.
The hosts have scored in both halves in their last two home matches (LA Galaxy to score in both halves valued at 13/10).
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