LAFC welcomes the LA Galaxy to Banc of California Stadium Thursday in 1 of the 2 Western Conference semifinals. Kickoff is set for 10 p.m. ET. Below, we preview Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the LAFC vs. LA Galaxy odds, and make our best MLS bets, picks and predictions.
LAFC received the only 1st-round bye in the West, finishing the season with 21 wins in 34 matches. The midseason additions of former international superstars headlined the LAFC season.
Fans will likely see Wales F Gareth Bale and Italian D Giorgio Chiellini for the full 90 minutes. F Carlos Vela will also play an impactful role and led the team in goals and assists with a combined 21.
The LA Galaxy got through the 1st round by beating the No. 5-seeded Nashville SC at home. The Galaxy were the No. 4 seed after winning 14 regular season matches.
F Javier Hernández led the team in goals this season with 18. Hernandez and F Dejan Joveljić are the only players on the Galaxy team who have more than 4 goals on the season.
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LAFC vs. LA Galaxy odds
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:48 a.m. ET.
- Money line: LAFC -140 (bet $140 to win $100) | LA Galaxy +310 (bet $100 to win $310) | Draw +310
- Over/Under: 3.5 (O: +122 | U: -155)
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Prediction
LAFC 2, LA Galaxy 1
Moneyline (ML)
BET LAFC (-140).
LAFC is the most talented team in the MLS. They have veteran talent with Vela and Bale and then leadership in the back with Chiellini.
The home side will also have more versatility in its attack with 5 players having scored 6 or more goals this season. On top of that advantage, LAFC was 13-2-2 at home this season.
The Galaxy lost 7 of 17 road games as well as dropping 5 of their last 10 on the road. The Galaxy don’t have the firepower to hang with LAFC and should struggle as they’ll be less rested as well.
Over/Under (O/U)
LEAN UNDER 3.5 (-155).
LAFC has allowed 38 goals on the season, the 2nd-fewest in the West. The Galaxy’s attack also wasn’t clicking well against Nashville as neither team had more than 1 expected goal and LA won just 1-0.
LAFC had the fewest shots against in the regular season as well, so their defense had held strong for most of the season. With playoff games already difficult to net goals in, I expect a low-scoring battle on Thursday evening.
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