IT is a top of the table clash in the Western Conference as LA Galaxy battle Los Angeles FC on Friday. The El Trafico is usually a very intense contest and with both teams showing great form at the moment, another closely fought encounter could be on the cards.
LA Galaxy are enjoying a fine campaign as they are sitting joint top of the Western Conference. They have been particularly impressive in recent times and head into Friday’s clash with four straight wins, including a 3-0 victory San Jose Earthquakes last time out.
Things are just as solid at home for LA Galaxy, who have won six of their last seven matches. Greg Vanney's men are among the leading scorers in the Western Conference and can count a 4-2 victory over Sporting Kansas among their recent results.
Los Angeles are the team setting the pace in the Western Conference as they lead their bitter rivals on goal difference. They have won 10 of their last 11 matches and head to the Rose Bowl off the back of a 3-0 victory over Colorado Rapids in their previous fixture.
Like the hosts, goals have not been a problem for Los Angeles, with a 6-2 victory over San Jose Earthquakes among their recent results. Steven Cherundolo’s men have also won four of their last five away matches but were held to a 1-1 draw by Austin in their previous fixture on the road.
How the bookies view it: Advantage Los Angeles
Los Angeles have the upper hand among the bookies and are priced at 21/20 by Betfred to claim the win. A victory for LA Galaxy is valued at 2/1 while Betfred is also offering 14/5 for a draw.
Head to head: Evenly matched rivals
LA Galaxy have a 9-8 advantage with five draws from 22 previous matches against Los Angeles. However, Los Angeles have won the last two meetings and claimed a 2-1 victory in the last fixture back in April.
Players to watch: Bouanga to stand out
Denis Bouanga is among the leading scorers in the MLS with 13 goals and will be the one to watch for Los Angeles. The forward has also found the net three times in the last two meetings with LA Galaxy and is priced at 21/20 by Betfred to maintain his scoring run.
LA Galaxy also boast a prolific striker of their own with Dejan Joveljic scoring 12 MLS goals this season. The striker has five goals in his last six matches and is priced at 11/8 by bet365 to find the net once again.
Probable line-ups
Riqui Puig made his return from injury with a substitute appearance at San Jose and could be set to start on Friday. Dejan Joveljic should retain his place in attack while Maya Yoshida is set to feature in defence.
Mateusz Bogusz netted a hat-trick last time out and should once again feature in attack for Los Angeles alongside Denis Bouanga. Jesus Murillo should retain his place at the heart of the defence.
LA Galaxy: McCarthy, Aude, Yoshida, Neal, Yamane, Delgado, Puig, Gabriel Pec, Fagundez, Paintsil, Joveljic
Los Angeles FC: Lloris, Palencia, Murillo, Long, Hollingshead, Tillman, Sanchez, Atuesta, Bogusz, Bouanga, Kamara
Anything else catch the eye?
Given the quality in both attacks, goals could be expected in Friday’s clash. Over 4.5 goals is valued at 5/2 by Betfred, who is also offering evens for over 3.5 goals.
There have been first half goals for both teams in their last two meetings and a repeat is priced at 9/4 by Betfred. With a closely fought encounter expected here, a halftime draw could be considered at 6/4 with Betfred.
This MLS match between LA Galaxy and Los Angeles FC will be played on Jul 5, 2024 and kick off at 03:30. Check below for our tipsters best LA Galaxy vs Los Angeles FC prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
