LA GALAXY are looking to crank up the pressure on the front runners as they host Sporting Kansas in a Western Conference MLS clash. The Galaxy often do their best work at home and should be too strong for Kansas, who have been a bit unconvincing lately.
LA Galaxy are coming off a 2-1 defeat to Chicago Fire in their previous MLS fixture despite taking the lead through Riqui Puig. That was their first defeat in the last six matches having claimed back-to-back victories prior to the trip to Chicago.
The good news for LA Galaxy is that they are back at Dignity Health Sports Park having won four of their last five home matches. However, Greg Vanney’s men remain unconvincing at the back having kept just one clean sheet in their last 12 MLS home matches.
Sporting Kansas will be feeling a bit confident heading into Sunday’s clash after claiming a 2-1 victory over Seattle Sounders last time out. They fought back from a goal down with Johnny Russell and Alenis Vargas getting their goals.
That was a vital win for Sporting Kansas who have been unconvincing lately, losing their previous three matches. Peter Vermes' men have also found things difficult on their travels and are currently on a five-match losing run away from home.
How the bookies view it: Easy ride for Galaxy
LA Galaxy have been installed as overwhelming favourites among the bookies and are priced at 3/5 by bet365 to claim the win. A victory for Sporting Kansas is valued at 15/4 while a draw is set at odds of 10/3.
Head to head: Galaxy edging it
LA Galaxy have a 32-30 edge with 19 draws from 81 previous matches against Sporting Kansas. The Galaxy also picked up a 3-2 victory in the last meeting between both sides back in March.
Players to watch: Joveljic on the hunt
Dejan Joveljic is the leading scorer for LA Galaxy with nine MLS goals and will be the one to watch on Sunday. The striker was also on target in the last meeting with Sporting Kansas and is priced at 13/10 by bet365 to find the net once again.
Johnny Russell is the man in form for Sporting Kansas having scored in his last two matches. The forward could be worth keeping an eye on at 11/4 by bet365.
Probable line-ups
Dejan Joveljic was a second half substitute for LA Galaxy last time out and should return to the starting line up. John Paintsil and Gaston Brugman remain sidelined with injury.
Sporting Kansas will be without Daniel Flores and Remy Walter, who are set to miss Sunday’s clash due to injury. Alenis Vargas could be handed a start after scoring off the bench last time out.
LA Galaxy: Micovic, Yamane, Yoshida, Caseres, Aude, Delgado, Cerrillo, Puig, Gabriel Pec, Berry, Joveljic
Sporting Kansas: Melia, Leibold, Fontas, Castellanos, Davis, Thommy, Radoja, Rodriguez, Vargas, Russell, Agada
Anything else catch the eye?
It was a five-goal thriller in the reverse fixture and another open contest could be on the cards. Over 4.5 goals is priced at 5/2 by bet365, who is also offering odds of 11/10 for over 3.5 goals.
LA Galaxy have scored in both halves in three of their last four home matches and could be set for a repeat at 11/10 with bet365. With the hosts priced at minimal odds for a straight victory, a win and both teams to score could be considered at 7/4 with bet365.
This MLS match between LA Galaxy and Sporting Kansas will be played on Jun 16, 2024 and kick off at 03:30. Check below for our tipsters best LA Galaxy vs Sporting Kansas prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
