It is the battle of the top two in the MLS Western Conference as Seattle Sounders host LA Galaxy at Lumen Field. Galaxy are looking to maintain their 100% start but could be in for a difficult task against Seattle, who often do their best work at home.
A second half effort from defender Brad Smith helped Seattle Sounders salvage a 1-1 draw at Los Angeles FC in their previous MLS outing. They dominated the contest after a slow start but failed to find the winner.
It has been a fine start to the season for Seattle, who remain unbeaten after two matches. They are one of the most attacking teams in the Western Conference and have already shown their quality this season with the 4-0 victory over Minnesota in their opening fixture.
It is still early days in the MLS but Seattle look like a team that could challenge for the playoffs in the West. Manager Brian Schmetzer will be hoping his side can maintain their solid home record having won their last five league matches at Lumen Field.
LA Galaxy are coming off a 3-2 victory over New York Red Bulls in their previous MLS fixture. Mexican striker Chicharito capitalised on some poor defending from New York to score a fine hat-trick.
Galaxy have impressed at the start of the season and remain the only team with a 100% record in the MLS, scoring six goals in their opening two matches. While manager Greg Vanney will be pleased with his team’s showing in attack, the defence is likely to be a source of concern having conceded two goals in each of their matches so far.
Their record on the road has also been troubling having suffered five defeats in their last six away matches in the MLS.
How the bookies view it
Seattle Sounders are favourites among the bookies and are priced at 8/13 by Vbet to win. A victory for LA Galaxy is valued at 9/2 by William Hill while a draw is set at odds of 7/2 by bet365.
Seattle Sounders’ record at Lumen Field gives them the edge and I am leaning towards a home win here.
Head to head
LA Galaxy have a 15-14 edge from 40 previous matches against Seattle Sounders. There have been 11 stalemates between both teams, including a 1-1 draw in the last meeting.
Seattle have won two of the last three meetings and claimed a 4-3 victory the last time they faced Galaxy at Lumen Field.
Players to watch
Raul Rudiaz scored a brace in the home fixture against Minnesota and will be the one to watch for Seattle Sounders. Bet365 has the striker at 4/6 to score anytime while the first goal is set at odds of 3/1 by the same firm.
Chicharito has been in fine form for LA Galaxy at the start of the season with five goals in the opening two matches. The striker is priced at 11/8 by bet365 in the anytime goalscorer market while the same firm is offering 11/2 for the first goal.
Anything else catch the eye?
Seattle Sounders and LA Galaxy have shown their attacking quality this season and are likely to serve up goals. Over 2.5 goals is valued at 18/35 by Vbet, over 3.5 goals is priced at 13/10 by betfair, who are also offering 31/10 for over 4.5 goals.
A win for Seattle Sounders and over 2.5 goals could be worth a punt at 11/10 with Paddy Power. Both teams could also be backed to score in the second half at 7/4 with betfair.
This MLS match between Seattle Sounders and LA Galaxy will be played on May 3, 2021 and kick off at 02:00. Check below for our tipsters best Seattle Sounders vs LA Galaxy prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
