Los Angeles FC and FC Dallas will face off at BMO Stadium in a Western Conference MLS clash. The hosts will be hoping to maintain their solid home form as they battle a Dallas side struggling at the moment.
Los Angeles FC claimed a 3-0 home victory over Colorado Rapids in their previous MLS fixture, with Denis Bouanga opening the scoring. That was a solid return to winning ways for Steven Cherundolo's men, who were beaten 1-0 by Vancouver Whitecaps in their first game back after the FIFA Club World Cup.
The result also maintains a solid home record for Los Angeles, who are unbeaten in seven of the last eight matches in front of their fans, with six wins on this run. However, defending remains a problem having failed to keep a clean sheet in eight of their last nine matches in all competitions.
FC Dallas are in the middle of a poor run, having lost their last three matches in all competitions. They were beaten 2-1 at home by Minnesota United in their previous league fixture.
Eric Quill’s men have also been unconvincing on their travels and are winless in four of their last five away matches. However, they did claim a 4-2 victory at Sporting Kansas in their previous fixture on the road and will be looking to replicate that performance.
How the bookies view it: Los Angeles overwhelming favourites
Los Angeles have been installed as overwhelming favourites among the bookies, with a home win priced at 4/11 by BoyleSports. A victory for Dallas is valued at 11/2 while a draw is set at odds of 15/4.
Head to head: Los Angeles on top
Los Angeles have a 6-4 advantage with three draws from 13 previous matches against Dallas. However, the visitors earned a 3-1 home victory in the last meeting between both teams in September.
Players to watch: Eyes on Bouanga
Bouanga was on target in the win over the Colorado Rapids for his ninth goal of the season. Nathan Ordaz also showed his attacking quality with a goal last time out, and both men could combine to produce over 1.5 goals – valued at 1/3 with BoyleSports.
FC Dallas will be counting on Petar Musa to provide the spark having found the net seven times in the league this season. Luciano Acosta also has five goals this term, and both men can ensure the visitors produce over 0.5 goals – available at 8/15.
Probable line-ups:
Goalkeeper Hugo Lloris returned to action for Los Angeles in the win over Colorado and should retain his place in between the sticks. Marco Delgado should also remain in the starting line-up, while Bounaga and Ordaz are set to feature in attack.
Paxton Pomykal and Bernard Kamungo are both sidelined with injury and will miss the trip to the BMO Stadium. Acosta should continue in midfield while Musa is expected to lead the line once again.
Los Angeles FC: Lloris, Palencia, Long, Segura, Hollingshead, Tillman, Jesus, Delgado, Dilrosun, Bouanga, Ordaz
FC Dallas: Paes, Moore, Augusto, Abubakar, Farfan, Ferreira, Delgado, Lletget, Acosta, Farrington, Musa
Anything else catch the eye?
The last fixture between Los Angeles and Dallas produced over 3.5 goals – valued at 6/5 with BoyleSports. Both teams have also scored in three of the last five meetings (BTTS YES priced at 8/13).
The hosts have led at the break in three of their last five MLS home matches (Los Angeles first half win – offered at odds of 5/6). Los Angeles are priced at minimal odds for a straight victory, so a win and over 2.5 goals offers more value (Los Angeles win & over 2.5 goals at 5/6).
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