LOS ANGELES FC will be aiming to strengthen their lead at the top of the Western Conference as they battle Columbus Crew in an MLS fixture on Sunday. While Columbus have shown some quality lately, Los Angeles appear to be playing at a higher level and should have the upper hand here.
Los Angeles are still the team to beat in the Western Conference and head into Sunday’s clash unbeaten in their last 13 matches across all competitions. Steven Cherundolo’s men have picked up 12 wins in that run, including a 2-1 victory at LA Galaxy last time out in the MLS.
One of the most impressive aspects of Los Angeles’ campaign this season is their home form having won their last eight matches at BMO Stadium. They maintained that record by beating New Mexico United 3-1 in the US Open Cup on Thursday.
Columbus Crew are having a fine campaign and are currently third in the Eastern Conference. They have won their last nine matches and claimed a 4-0 victory over Toronto in their previous MLS fixture.
While things appear generally smooth for Columbus Crew, they have been a bit erratic on their travels. Wilfried Nancy’s men have picked up three wins and suffered two defeats in their last five away matches across all competitions but did triumph 5-1 at New England in their previous fixture on the road.
How the bookies view it: Home cooking for Los Angeles
Los Angeles have been installed as overwhelming favourites with a home win priced at 5/6 by Betfred. A victory for Columbus Crew is valued at 5/2 while Betfred is also offering odds of 13/5 for a draw.
Head to head: Los Angeles slightly on top
Los Angeles have a 3-2 edge from five matches against Columbus Crew. However, Columbus triumphed 2-1 in the last meeting back in December.
Players to watch: No answers for Bouanga
Denis Bouanga continues to impress for Los Angeles and is their leading scorer with 14 MLS goals. The forward was on target in the last meeting and is priced at 19/20 by Betfred to find the net on Sunday.
Columbus Crew have a prolific attacker of their own with Camilo Hernandez scoring 11 MLS goals this season. The forward grabbed one of the goals in the last meeting and is priced at 6/4 by Betfred to get on the score sheet once again.
Probable line-ups
Los Angeles are likely to stick with the team that won in the derby, with Denis Bouanga expected to feature in attack. Mateusz Bogusz should also continue in attack after scoring in the US Open Cup on Thursday.
Columbus Crew have no major injuries or suspensions and could stick to the team that beat Toronto last time out. The front three of Diego Rossi, Christian Ramirez and Camilo Hernandez should continue in attack.
Los Angeles: Lloris, Palencia, Murillo, Long, Hollingshead, Tillman, Sanchez, Atuesta, Bogusz, Kamara, Bouanga
Columbus Crew: Schulte, Cheberko, Camacho, Moreira, Arfsten, Nagbe, Matan, Farsi, Rossi, Ramirez, Hernandez
Anything else catch the eye?
Both teams have quality in attack and Sunday’s clash could be set to produce goals. Over 4.5 goals is priced at 3/1 by Betfred, who are also offering 7/5 for over 3.5 goals.
Los Angeles have scored in both halves in their last three home matches and could be set for a repeat at 7/5 with Betfred. Denis Bouanga has opened the scoring five times and could be backed to grab the first goal on Sunday at 100/30 by Betfred.
This MLS match between Los Angeles FC and Columbus Crew will be played on Jul 14, 2024 and kick off at 03:30. Check below for our tipsters best Los Angeles FC vs Columbus Crew prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
In December 2020 we sadly 
