FOLLOWING a disappointing home defeat last time out, Los Angeles will be targeting a swift return to winning ways as they host Real Salt Lake on Thursday. The hosts will be keen to make a statement and should be too strong for Salt Lake, who are unconvincing on the road.
Los Angeles are coming off a disappointing 5-1 home defeat to Columbus Crew last time out in the MLS. They struggled to find their rhythm for much of the encounter with Nathan Ordaz coming off the bench to score a late consolation.
Despite the result, Los Angeles remain top of the Western Conference and manager Steven Cherundolo will be keen to get things back on track. The good news is that they had claimed eight straight home victories prior to that defeat and will be confident of making a swift return to winning ways.
Real Salt have been in good form lately having lost just two of their last 12 matches across all competitions. Pablo Mastroeni’s men have won three of the last five fixtures in that run and remain second in the Western Conference.
While things appear good for Real Salt Lake in recent times, their record on their travels has been a bit troubling. They have picked up just one win from their last six away matches and were beaten 3-0 at Portland Timbers last time out in the MLS.
How the bookies view it: Los Angeles bounce back
Los Angeles have been installed as overwhelming favourites with a home win priced at 8/15 by Betfred. A victory for Real Salt Lake is valued at 18/5 while Betfred is offering odds of 16/5 for a draw.
Head to head: Salt Lake with recent edge
Los Angeles have a 13-5 advantage from 18 previous matches against Real Salt Lake. However, Salt Lake have won the last two meetings and claimed a 3-0 victory in the most recent clash back in March.
Players to watch: Bouanga to be fired up
Denis Bouanga was off colour in the defeat to Columbus Crew and will be keen to make things right on Thursday. The forward remains the leading scorer for Los Angeles with 14 goals and is priced at 9/10 by Betfred to find the net.
Real Salt Lake will look to Cristian Arango, who has 17 MLS goals this season. The attacker has also been on target in the last two meetings with Los Angeles and is priced at 9/5 with Betfred.
Probable line-ups
Los Angeles will be without Jesus Murillo and Sergi Palencia, who are both suspended after being sent off last time out. Eddie Segura and Omar Campos could be included in the starting line-up while Nathan Ordaz is also pushing for a start after scoring off the bench.
Cristian Arango should continue in attack despite having a quiet game in Portland. Matt Crooks could also retain his place in midfield while Brian Oviedo could return to the defence after making a substitute appearance last time out.
Los Angeles FC: Lloris, Hollingshead, Chanot, Segura, Campos, Atuesta, Sanchez, Martinez, Bogusz, Ordaz, Bouanga
Real Salt Lake: MacMath, Brody, Hidalgo, Oviedo, Katranis, Eneli, Ojeda, Gomez, Crooks, Luna, Arango
Anything else catch the eye?
There were over 4.5 goals in LA Galaxy’s previous fixture and a similar outcome is priced at 11/4 by Betfred. Over 3.5 goals could also be considered at 5/4 by Betfred.
LA Galaxy are priced at minimal odds for a straight victory, so a win and both teams to score could be on the cards at 7/4 with Betfred.
This MLS match between Los Angeles FC and Real Salt Lake will be played on Jul 18, 2024 and kick off at 03:45. Check below for our tipsters best Los Angeles FC vs Real Salt Lake prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
