Austin FC begin their debut season in the MLS with a trip to the Banc of California Stadium for a clash against Los Angeles FC. They had a fine preseason but should be in for a difficult start to life in the major league with Los Angeles often solid at home.
Los Angeles endured a difficult 2020 MLS season as they finished seventh in the Western Conference, although they played in the CONCACAF Champions League final.
Bob Bradley’s men have a fully fit squad heading into the new campaign, although they did not have the best preseason. They played out two draws with the New England Revolution, the last of which ended 3-3 with Diego Rossi, Carlos Vela and Eddie Segura getting their goals.
Los Angeles are known for their solid home form and are unbeaten in their last eight MLS matches at the Banc of California Stadium. They have claimed six wins in that run and will be confident of making a positive start on Saturday.
Austin are heading into their debut season in in the MLS in fine fettle with a number of impressive showings in preseason. They earned four wins from six matches, including a 3-2 victory over Rio Grande Valley in their final preparatory fixture.
Manager Josh Wolff will be happy with his team’s performance in preseason but will also bear in mind that none of their wins came against teams in the MLS. They lost to the two MLS clubs they faced, 3-2 to Houston Dynamo before losing on penalties to Dallas FC following a 3-3 draw in normal time.
If preseason is anything to go by, then Austin FC are likely to adopt an attacking style as they showed a willingness to throw bodies forward. However, that approach is likely to leave them exposed at the back having conceded nine goals in their last four matches.
How the bookies view it
Los Angeles have been installed as overwhelming favourites by the bookies with Vbet offering 6/13 for a home win. The same firm has a victory for Austin at odds of 61/10 while a draw is valued at 15/4 by Sporting Index.
Los Angeles often do their best work at home and are expected to come out on top against Austin FC.
Head to head
This will be the first ever meeting between Los Angeles FC and Austin FC.
Players to watch
Carlos Vela was one of the players hampered by injuries last season but already looked back to his best in preseason. The Mexican striker is priced at 8/12 by bet365 to score anytime while the first goal is valued at 26/15 by the same firm.
Dutch striker Danny Hoesen will be the one tasked with leading the line for Austin this season and they will be hoping he hits the ground running. He is priced at 3/1 bet365 in the anytime goalscorer market with the same firm offering 11/1 for the first goal.
Anything else catch the eye?
With Los Angeles and Austin adopting an attacking style, Saturday’s match is likely to produce goals. William Hill is offering 7/10 on both teams to score. Over 2.5 goals is set at odds on 8/15 by betway while 3.5 goals is valued at 7/5 by Paddy Power, who also have over 4.5 goals at odds of 7/2.
A win for Los Angeles and over 2.5 goals is priced at 19/20 with betway while they could also be backed to score in both halves at 23/20 William Hill. It could be worth a punt backing the hosts to win both halves at 23/10 with Sporting Index.
This MLS match between Los Angeles FC and Austin FC will be played on Apr 17, 2021 and kick off at 23:00. Check below for our tipsters best Los Angeles FC vs Austin FC prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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