LAFC (4 wins, 0 losses, 2 draws) visits LA Galaxy (0-3-3) Sunday in a high-profile Western Conference battle. Kickoff from Dignity Health Sports Park is set for 4:30 p.m. ET. Below, we preview BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the LA Galaxy vs. LAFC odds, and make our best expert MLS picks and predictions.
LAFC, who have won all 4 of their games at home and drawn both games on the road, are coming off a 3-0 win over Austin on April 8. LAFC is averaging 2 goals per game while allowing just .5. They are led by F Denis Bouanga, who has a team-high 6 goals. LAFC also has 4 clean sheets in 6 games, showcasing dominance on both sides of the ball.
LA Galaxy is coming off back-to-back losses the last 2 weekends, losing 2-1 at home to Seattle and then 3-0 on the road to Houston. They have scored just 3 goals in 6 games while allowing 9. F Javier Hernandez, who had a team-high 18 goals last season, has played just 36 minutes in 3 games, leaving much of the scoring to F Dejan Joveljic, who has just 1 goal on the season.
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LA Galaxy vs. LAFC odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:36 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline: LA Galaxy +195 (bet $100 to win $195) | LAFC +120 (bet $100 to win $120) | Draw +250
- Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -165 | U: +115)
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LA Galaxy vs. LAFC picks and predictions
Prediction
LAFC 3, LA Galaxy 1
Moneyline (ML)
LEAN LAFC (+120).
LAFC have won 2 straight games in the El Trafico derby, beating the Galaxy 3-2 at Banc of California Stadium on July 8 and Oct. 20. LAFC has been the far better side, but the hesitation comes in how well the Galaxy have played in this series at home.
Nonetheless, this isn’t the same Galaxy side, having scored just 3 goals in 6 games and having allowed 9. They are 0-1-1 at home, losing to Seattle. LAFC is arguably the best team in the league and is coming off a dynamic 3-0 win over Austin.
LAFC has D Aaron Long, M Jose Cifuentes and F Carlos Vela — all among the best in the league at their position. They are a dynamic group, and at plus-money value, LAFC is the better option.
Take LAFC (+120).
Over/Under (O/U)
LEAN OVER 2.5 (-165).
LAFC has gone Over this total in 4 of their last 6 games this season. The rivalry, on top of that, has gone Over this total in 4 straight games and in 6 of their last 7. The matchups between these 2 clubs have gone Over 3.5 in 3 straight and in 4 of their last 6.
Given LA Galaxy’s poor defensive trends so far this season, LAFC will more than likely be able to break through often. The Galaxy have gone Over in 2 straight and in 3 of 6. They have had at least 1 expected goal in all but 1 game and have 1 expected goal against in every game.
Ultimately, the juice makes this slightly unappealing, but regardless, it’s the better side to play. Take the OVER 2.5 (-165).
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