The LA Galaxy (14 wins, 12 losses, 8 draws) welcome Nashville SC (13-10-11) to Dignity Health Sports Park Saturday in a 1st-round playoff game. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET. Below, we preview Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the LA Galaxy vs. Nashville SC odds, and make our best MLS bets, picks and predictions.
The LA Galaxy have had a very up-and-down type season. They were able to lose just 1 of their last 11 to rise in the rankings. They finished 4th in the Western Conference, while Nashville placed 5th.
Both teams used a late-season surge to get higher in the table. Saturday’s winner will play 1st-place LAFC, which received a bye.
The Galaxy are led by 34-year-old Mexican star F Javier Hernández, who has a team-high 18 goals on the season. LA went 1-0-1 against Nashville this season.
As for Nashville, which won 5 of its last 8, it was led by a remarkable 23 goals from F Hany Mukhtar.
Nashville finished with a +11 goal differential. The Galaxy closed the regular season with a +7 goal differential.
World class soccer coverage all in one place: Get ESPN+
LA Galaxy vs. Nashville SC odds
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 6 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline: LA Galaxy -120 (bet $120 to win $100) | Nashville SC +280 (bet $100 to win $280) | Draw +285
- Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -135 | U: +107)
Claim your risk-free bet up to $350. Catch the excitement and start betting with Tipico Sportsbook! New customer offer in CO and NJ. 21+, see Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. Bet now!
Prediction
Nashville SC 2, LA Galaxy 1
Moneyline (ML)
LEAN NASHVILLE SC (+280).
Nashville is the better team here. It had the better goal differential for a reason. With Mukhtar set to start up top, the Nashville attack should be more potent as well.
The Nashville defense is also captained by USMNT defender and All-Star D Walker Zimmerman. He’s a stud and should be able to help Nashville win Saturday. Nashville has also been surging, coming off a 1-0 win at LAFC.
The Galaxy, on the other hand, have remained relatively unbeaten, but haven’t had a clean sheet in 13 games. In playoff soccer, goals aren’t easy to come by, and they’ve allowed them as of late.
With the best player on the field and the best defender, I’ll back NASHVILLE SC (+280).
Over/Under (O/U)
BET OVER 2.5 (-135).
Both teams have stars up top that should be primed to be involved in most of the action.
Along with his 23 goals, Mukhtar had 7 assists on the season. He should create a lethal attack, and as noted, the Galaxy defense hasn’t been great at shutting teams out.
Expect Nashville to get on the board at least once. Similarly, LA has only been shut out once in its last 13 battles.
With Hernandez healthy, it should be able to get a goal in this one. The Galaxy have been a fast-paced side, scoring 1.71 per game while allowing 1.5 per game. Those figures held justify backing a high-scoring battle.
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.
Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter. Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=3296]