LAFC (9 wins, 3 losses, 3 draws) welcomes the New York Red Bulls (7-4-5) to Banc of California Stadium Sunday. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. ET. Below, we preview the LAFC vs. New York Red Bulls odds and lines, and make our best MLS bets, picks and predictions.
LAFC sits atop the Western Conference and is looking to continue its trend as one of the premier clubs in the league, having announced the signing of former Real Madrid superstar F Gareth Bale.
Bale will not be available against the Red Bulls, but LAFC shouldn’t be concerned as it is 5-1-2 at home this season. It’s led by F Carlos Vela, who has 6 goals on the season. LAFC has won 2 of its last 3.
As for the Red Bulls, they sit second in the Eastern Conference with 26 points, 2 behind NYCFC. While scoring is how you win the game, New York has been dominant on the defensive end, allowing just 17 goals in 16 games.
N.Y. is led by 25-year-old Scottish F Lewis Morgan with 7 goals. New York has lost its last 2 road matches, both by 2-0, to newcomer Charlotte FC and Inter Miami.
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LAFC vs. New York Red Bulls 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 1:34 a.m. ET.
- Money line: LAFC -110 (bet $110 to win $100) | New York Red Bulls +295 (bet $100 to win $295) | Draw +265
- Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -120 | U: +100)
[tipico]
Prediction
LAFC 1, New York Red Bulls 0
Money line (ML)
LEAN LAFC -110.
LAFC has amassed a level of talent that one just should not bet against. Led by Vela, LAFC also has M Kellyn Acosta who has 13 starts and has the 2nd-most minutes of any non-keeper.
LAFC has won 5 of 8 home matches and has had more expected goals than its opponent in all 8, which suggests that its a side that should be coming out on top more often than not.
New York started the season off strong away from home with 5 wins and a draw in 6 matches. But, they’ve since lost 2 road games, both to teams that are outside the playoff picture in the Eastern Conference.
Couple LAFC’s talent with their dominance at home along with the recent weaknesses New York has shown, and even at this value, I’d lean to LAFC.
Over/Under (O/U)
BET UNDER 2.5 (+100).
While LAFC has some attacking prowess, both teams are elite defensively.
New York’s 17 goals allowed rank tied for the 3rd-fewest in the conference. Although the West is a more defense-heavy conference, LAFC’s 17 goals allowed rank third as well.
LAFC has gone under this total in 4 of its last 7. The Red Bulls can 1-up that as they’ve gone under it in 5 of their last 7. They both rank in the top-6 clubs in shots against as well.
They’re well-coached, well-rounded clubs that should have a game plan set to counter the others’ strengths. Combine it all, and the UNDER 2.5 (+100) is my favorite play in the match.
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