Austin FC (14 wins, 6 losses, 6 draws) welcomes LAFC (18-5-3) Friday to Q2 Stadium. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we preview the Austin FC vs. LAFC odds and lines, and make our best MLS bets, picks and predictions.
Austin FC has been outstanding this season and has posted a 6-2-4 record at home this season. Austin is 2-1-1 in its last 4 home games and has scored 3 or more goals in all 4.
Austin has scored 55 goals on the season, the exact same as LAFC. However, its defense hasn’t quite been as good, allowing 10 more goals (36 vs. 26). Austin is led by F Sebastián Driussi with 18 goals on the season.
LAFC, which might have the best roster in MLS history, added F Gareth Bale in the middle of the season to further bolster their lineup. They also brought in former Italian star D Giorgio Chiellini.
Los Angeles is led in scoring by F Cristian Arango with 12 goals. It also has F Carlos Vela, a 2022 All-Star who has 8 goals and 7 assists.
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Austin FC vs. LAFC 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 12:21 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Austin FC +180 (bet $100 to win $180) | LAFC +130 (bet $100 to win $130) | Draw +285
- Over/Under: 3.5 (O: +115 | U: -145)
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Prediction
LAFC 2, Austin FC 1
Money line (ML)
BET LAFC (+130).
LAFC lost the 1st time around vs. Austin FC at home. They were defeated 2-1 on May 18, but there are a few reasons to love them in this situation, and one is that they actually did dominate that game.
LAFC had 2.4 expected goals in that match which compares favorably to Austin’s 1.0. Also, Austin is starting to show some flaws, having gone 2-1-2 in its last 5.
LAFC has had more expected goals than their opponent in 9 of 12 road matches and has also won 3 of its last 4. They are a complete side that can both defend and attack with pace.
Austin is a solid, capable side, but its defense hasn’t been there lately. Austin has given up 16 goals in its last 7 home matches. LAFC may be able to shred Austin’s backline.
Over/Under (O/U)
LEAN UNDER 3.5 (-145).
LAFC is a score-heavy side, as is Austin. Most indications are this should be a high-scoring match, but one would have said the same for LAFC’s 1-0 win over D.C. United or a 2-1 win over San Jose. LAFC has gone under this total in 5 of their last 7. Austin has gone under in 3 of its last 6.
Given who will take the pitch and the high-profile nature surrounding this match, which will be televised on ESPN, I would certainly just lean to the Under 3.5 (-145).
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