The LA Galaxy are still looking for their first league win of the year, and the schedule gets no easier on Sunday as they face LAFC in the latest installment of El Trafico.
Even Javier Hernandez’s return off the bench wasn’t enough to prevent the Galaxy from sliding to a 3-0 loss against the Houston Dynamo last weekend, and red cards for Martin Caceres and Douglas Costa just added to a wretched start to the 2023 season.
It’s a different story for unbeaten LAFC, who breezed past Austin FC in their last MLS outing and completed a 6-0 aggregate win over the Vancouver Whitecaps earlier this week to book their place in the CONCACAF Champions League semi-finals.
Find out more in our free LA Galaxy vs LAFC picks and predictions for this April 16 derby.
LA Galaxy vs LAFC best odds
LA Galaxy vs LAFC picks and predictions
If you’re looking for reasons to pick LAFC to lift the MLS Cup again this year, the prolific performances from Denis Bouanga might be top of the list. Taking the torch from veteran team-mate Carlos Vela, Bouanga has shown he’s ready to take center stage.
The 28-year-old forward joined LAFC last August and is already staking his claim to be the best player in the league. Bouanga is in the midst of a major hot streak, as he scored a ruthless hat-trick against FC Austin in LAFC’s last MLS fixture and has netted 11 goals across all competitions in 2023.
I expect Bouanga to have another big game on Sunday, with opportunities aplenty against a Galaxy team short on confidence after such a rocky start to the season. To put it into perspective, Houston had scored just once from open play in its prior four games before dominating Greg Vanney’s men last Saturday.
Bouanga will have fond memories of El Trafico too after scoring a decisive double in the Western Conference semi-finals last year, propelling LAFC to a 3-2 victory.
I have Bouanga pegged as LAFC’s likeliest scorer in a derby that’s rarely short on goalscoring chances, and I’m taking these tasty odds for him to inflict more misery on the Galaxy on Sunday.
My best bet: Denis Bouanga Anytime Goal (+137 at bet365)
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LA Galaxy vs LAFC side analysis
Recent form comprehensively points in LAFC’s favor, so it’s slightly surprising to see similar moneyline odds for both teams. The visitors start as the narrowest of favorites, and you can still get plus odds for Steve Cherundolo’s men to take all three points. That’s worth a long look given the roll they’re on.
There’s a case to be made to throw out the formbook when two cross-city rivals square off like this, but it’s tough to ignore their contrasting fortunes on the field this season. While LAFC have won four of their last five games in all competitions, the Galaxy enter Sunday’s game after back-to-back losses and more offensive struggles.
Chicharito’s return is unquestionably a huge boost for the hosts, but he’s still finding his feet after a long layoff. The Galaxy are also dealing with the off-field backdrop of fan boycotts and protests. The center of midfield looks set to be a key battleground, with Riqui Puig and Marky Delgado needing to find their best form against what is likely to be a three-man midfield for the visitors.
LA Galaxy vs LAFC Over/Under analysis
This fixture tends to deliver fireworks. If past meetings between these teams are any indication, we’re going to get goals on Sunday. Last season featured two 3-2 thrillers, and eight of their past 16 MLS meetings have served up five or more goals.
LAFC have been ruthless in recent weeks, with three 3-0 wins in a row. This year, they’ve scored 12 goals in six league games while conceding only three, and they’ve strung together four straight clean sheets in all competitions.
It’s reasonable to wonder whether the Galaxy attack can find a way through, even with Hernandez likely to feature from the start. The hosts have found goals hard to come by in 2023, and they’ve only netted twice over their past five outings.
The BTTS odds don’t offer a lot of value, with the odds tilted to reflect the recent high-scoring contests. However, I still like the Over on 3.5 total goals.
LA Galaxy vs LAFC game info
| Location: | Dignity Health Sports Park, Carson, CA |
| Date: | Sunday, April 16, 2023 |
| Time: | 4:30 p.m. ET |
| TV: | FOX |
LA Galaxy vs LAFC key injuries
LA Galaxy: Jonathan Bond G (Doubtful).
LAFC: Maxime Crepeau G (Out).
LA Galaxy vs LAFC weather
It’s expected to be a warm, dry afternoon in L.A. on Sunday, with partly cloudy conditions and temperatures in the high 60s at kick-off.
