LAFC (7 wins, 2 losses, 2 draws) welcomes Austin FC (6-3-2) to Banc of California Stadium for a 10:30 p.m. ET kickoff Wednesday. Below, we preview the LAFC vs. Austin FC odds and lines, and make our best MLS bets, picks and predictions.
Austin FC has been among the league’s bright spots so far this season. Austin sits 3rd in a tough Western Conference and is tied with LAFC with an MLS-best 23 goals.
Austin is led by 26-year-old Argentinian F Sebastián Driussi, who has 7 goals on the season. Austin had 31 points in 34 games last season, ending 24th in the league, making this start to the year that much better.
However, Austin will be on the road to take on LAFC, and there isn’t a tougher place to play in the nation. LAFC is 4-0-2 at home, having yet to lose at Banc of California.
The home side is led by star Mexican F Carlos Vela, who has 4 goals on the season. He is one of 6 LAFC 6 players, who have at least 2 goals. LAFC has allowed just 12 goals in 11 games.
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LAFC vs. Austin FC odds, lines, picks and predictions
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 4:46 a.m. ET.
- Money line: LAFC -205 (bet $205 to win $100) | Austin FC +490 (bet $100 to win $490) | Draw +380
- Over/Under: 3.5 (O: +120 | U: -145)
[tipico]
Prediction
LAFC 2, Austin FC 0
Money line (ML)
PASS.
I like LAFC to win this game, but at -205, I wouldn’t bet on it. Austin FC has proven it’s a competent side. Austin has won or tied 3 of its 5 road games this season.
Usually when I PASS on a money line, I dive into either both teams to score or not score. This game has odds of -170 on both teams to score and +122 on both not to score.
I suggest a “lean” on BOTH TEAMS NOT TO SCORE (+122). The thought process here is that LAFC is one of 7 teams (Austin FC being one of them) to allow 12 or fewer goals.
Austin has played 2 of those teams this season (Minnesota United and LA Galaxy) and scored just 1 goal in those 2 games. It’s a “lean” with the overall Under my favorite play Wednesday.
Over/Under (O/U)
BET UNDER 3.5 (-145).
It’s absolutely two dynamic offenses against each other. However, it’s also two of the Western Conference’s best defenses. Austin FC has allowed 11 goals in 11 games and, as mentioned, LAFC has allowed 12 goals in 11 games.
Both teams have Under 15 expected goals against as well, so it’s not just a luck factor for each. They have legit defenses with LAFC having the sixth-fewest shots against and Austin FC having the sixth-best save rate.
Austin FC has gone Under 4 goals in a game 4 straight times, while 3 of LAFC’s last 4 cashed Under tickets.
UNDER 3.5 (-145) is a little pricey, but it’s worth the risk.
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