LA Galaxy will be looking to build on a victory in the El Trafico as they host Philadelphia Union in a cross-conference MLS clash on Sunday. Galaxy have done some good work at home lately and are set for a home win.
LA Galaxy are undoubtedly having a difficult campaign as they currently sit second from bottom in the Western Conference. They still have an outside chance of making the playoffs but must spark up a lengthy run of positive results between now and the end of the regular season.
The good news for LA Galaxy is that they can build on a 2-1 victory over Los Angeles FC in their previous MLS fixture. Tyler Boyd opened the scoring early in the encounter while Riqui Puig netted the winner midway through the second half.
The win over Los Angeles is a continuation of a string of positive home results for LA Galaxy, who have lost just once in their last five matches across all competitions in front of their fans. Among the results for Greg Vanney's men in that run is a 3-1 victory over Seattle Sounders while they also triumphed 2-1 against San Jose Earthquakes.
Philadelphia Union are faring much better than their hosts as they are well on course for a playoff finish in the Eastern Conference. They are currently fifth on the table, although their recent form has been a bit erratic with just one win in their last four matches.
The Union Zolos travel to California off the back of a 2-0 defeat at Atlanta United in their previous MLS fixture. They lacked the cutting edge in attack and finished with just a single attempt on target throughout the contest.
The defeat in Atlanta highlights a poor record on the road for Philadelphia Union, who are winless in their last three matches. Jim Curtin’s men have lost twice in that run and have kept just one clean sheet in their last 10 away matches across all competitions.
How the bookies view it
The bookies appear to be expecting a closely fought encounter with a win for LA Galaxy priced at 17/10 by Unibet while bet365 is offering odds of 6/4 for a Philadelphia Union victory. A draw is set at odds of 5/2 by BetVictor.
Head to head
La Galaxy have lost just once to Philadelphia Union, claiming eight wins and three draws from 12 previous matches. Galaxy claimed a 2-0 victory in the last meeting between both teams back in 2019.
Players to watch
Tyler Boyd could be worth keeping an eye on for LA Galaxy following his goal last time out against Los Angeles. The attacker is priced at odds of 7/2 by William Hill to get on the score sheet on Sunday.
Julian Carranza has been the standout player for Philadelphia Union this season and will head into Sunday’s clash looking to add to his 10 MLS goals. The forward has found the net seven times in his last 10 matches and is priced at 2/1 by William Hill to maintain that scoring run.
Anything else catch the eye?
LA Galaxy and Philadelphia Union have shown little defensive discipline lately and could be set to produce goals on Sunday. Galaxy have seen over 2.5 goals in two of their last three home matches and a repeat is priced at 7/10 with William Hill while over 3.5 goals can also be considered at 7/4 by Paddy Power.
Galaxy have opened the scoring in their last two matches and can be backed to score first on Sunday at 21/20 with bet365. They have also scored in both halves in their last two home matches and could be set for a similar pattern at 5/2 with Unibet.
This MLS match between LA Galaxy and Philadelphia Union will be played on Jul 9, 2023 and kick off at 03:30. Check below for our tipsters best LA Galaxy vs Philadelphia Union prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
