MLS playoffs: Austin FC vs. LAFC odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Austin FC vs. LAFC odds and lines, with MLS picks and predictions.

No. 2 Austin FC visits Banc of California Stadium to take on No. 1 LAFC in the MLS Western Conference final. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. ET (ESPN3). Below, we preview Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Austin FC vs. LAFC odds, and make our best MLS bets, picks and predictions.

LAFC added several former international superstars in the middle of the season to a roster that was already the best in the West. They had one of the best seasons in MLS history, totaling 67 points in 34 games.

Former Real Madrid F Gareth Bale was a big-time addition. He had 2 goals. F Cristian Arango had a team-high 16 and F Carlos Vela led the team in goals and assists with a combined 21.

On the other hand, Austin FC finished 12th of just 13 teams in the West last season and crushed preseason expectations, scoring 65 goals, the 2nd-most in the conference.

Austin was led by M Sebastian Driussi, who scored 22 goals on the season. His 22 was tied with Philadelphia’s M Daniel Gazdag for the 2nd-most in the league.

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Austin FC vs. LAFC odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 11:32 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Austin FC +400 (bet $100 to win $400) | LAFC -200 (bet $200 to win $100) | Draw +380
  • Over/Under: 3.5 (O: +105 | U: -130)

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Prediction

LAFC 2, Austin FC 1

Moneyline (ML)

PASS.

While I certainly do not hate a draw, especially at +380, betting against this LAFC team is not wise. They clearly have the most talent in the MLS and will be at home. At -200, their moneyline value just isn’t worth the risk.

Austin actually beat LAFC in both meetings this season, a 2-1 win on the road and a 4-1 win at home. I don’t expect history to be repeated and would avoid any play other than potentially a small unit on the draw.

Over/Under (O/U)

BET UNDER 3.5 (-130).

You don’t sit within the top 2 in a highly competitive conference without high-level defending, and although the offensive weapons will highlight analysis, both teams are strong defensively.

Both teams sit in the top half of the league in save percentage, and LAFC ranked No. 1 in shots against.

Had it not been for a stoppage-time penalty that helped them advance, Austin would have had this Under hit in 9 straight games. It allowed just 2.1 expected goals against in its 2 playoff games as well.

LAFC won 3-2 over the Galaxy in its lone playoff game, but its opponent has just .4 expected goals. It has gone Under this total in 6 of its last 8.

With this expected to be a highly competitive battle, goals should be difficult to come by as is typical with playoff action. Bet the Under 3.5 (-130) despite the juice.

Check out Pro Soccer Wire: For the American soccer fan, USA TODAY Sports Media Group’s website provides a fresh look at the beautiful game.

Want action on this contest or any other soccer matches? Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, SportsbookWire’s official sportsbook partner in CO and NJ. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.

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Austin FC vs. LAFC odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s Austin FC vs. LAFC odds and lines, with MLS picks and predictions.

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)

[tipico]

Check out Pro Soccer Wire: For the American soccer fan, USA TODAY Sports Media Group’s website provides a fresh look at the beautiful game.

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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If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.

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