Other rivalries have more history, but the best rivalry in the MLS right now is El Trafico. The first-ever meeting between Los Angeles FC and the Los Angeles Galaxy was an instant classic, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic notching a hat trick in a thrilling 4-3 win for the Galaxy. Ibra struck again with another hat trick in dealing LAFC their third loss of the season last month. LAFC are looking to shut down Ibra this time to secure their first win against their city rival.
Don't miss the Major League Soccer action from Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles, California at 10:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, August 25, 2019. Catch every moment of the match live on FS1.
MLS Betting Odds at BookMaker.eu
Los Angeles FC -200
Los Angeles Galaxy +436
Draw +406
Over/Under 3.5 and 4
Odds Analysis
Los Angeles FC have already locked up a playoff berth, and they are 16 points ahead of the next closest team in the race for the Supporters’ Shield. They look set to become the greatest team in league history, and they are a superb 11-0-1 at home this season.
Since their loss to the Galaxy last month, this has been a team on a mission. LAFC have won five straight matches, beating their last four opponents by multiple goals. They were able to beat Real Salt Lake 2-0 last week after seeing Walker Zimmerman sent off just after halftime, and they crushed San Jose 4-0 on Wednesday night.
The Los Angeles Galaxy want to erase last year’s late-season demons by ensuring they don’t miss out on the postseason this time. They have been great at home this campaign, but their record on the road has not been good. The Galaxy are 4-7-1 away from home, and they have lost each of their last four road games. Over that period, they were outscored by a combined margin of 12-1.
Key Absences
Neither team has many injuries to report heading into Sunday night’s clash. LAFC won’t have midfielder Javi Perez for the rest of the season after he tore his ACL back in late May, and midfielder Alejandro Guido is questionable with a strained quad.
Midfielder Romain Alessandrini will miss the match for the Galaxy, although the club is optimistic that he will return soon, and midfielder Perry Kitchen is questionable to play because of a groin injury.
Player to Watch
Ibra has haunted LAFC over the span of this rivalry. He was incredible in both of the Galaxy’s El Trafico wins, and he is the only reliable scoring option for the Galaxy. His 20 goals are the third-most in the MLS this season, and no other player has more than three goals. If the Galaxy are going to continue their dominance of LAFC, Ibra must have a big game.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
Carlos Vela has been phenomenal this season. He has scored 26 times in 25 matches, and he is set to shatter the single season scoring mark that Josef Martinez shattered himself last year. His play has made LAFC an unstoppable juggernaut, and that’s why the club has an absurd +46 goal differential on the year.
This will be a cathartic win for LAFC. Vela, Diego Rossi, and Adama Diomande are all in fine form, and they will look to finally get into the win column against a Galaxy side that is way too dependent on Ibra. The Galaxy don’t have the defenders to keep this attack at bay, so as long as they can keep Ibra somewhat in check, they’ll win.
Major League Soccer Odds: Los Angeles FC 3, Los Angeles Galaxy 1
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