Olivier Giroud and LAFC hope to extend their El Trafico winning streak when they visit the LA Galaxy in a key MLS fixture tonight.
The Galaxy need just one point to secure a spot in the MLS Cup, and they’ll hope to get a result and maintain or extend their four-point lead atop the Western Conference. LAFC have two matches in hand, and a win would see them pull within a point of their rivals.
It’s all to play for in the league’s best rivalry, and we break down the betting angles in our LA Galaxy vs LAFC picks and predictions for Saturday, September 14.
LA Galaxy vs LAFC picks and predictions
My best bet:
Gabriel Pec 1+ shot on goal in the first half (+110 at FanDuel)
My analysis
Since MLS play resumed following the end of the Leagues Cup, only three players have attempted more shots than LA Galaxy winger Gabriel Pec. He’s attempted 10 shots over two matches, with 2+ shots on goal in both outings.
Pec has put an effort on goal prior to the halftime intermission in five of his last six matches. At plus-odds, I’m backing him to do the same against LAFC.
The addition of Marco Reus to the Galaxy lineup gives their dangerous attack a new focal point and presents LAFC with a player who must be accounted for at all times. With Riqui Puig pulling the strings behind him, there are too many weapons for LAFC to track and that should open up spaces for the volume shooter.
LAFC allowed six first-half shots on target across two matches in their recent fixtures, both against Houston. The Dynamo had plenty of opportunities before halftime and could’ve easily had more efforts on frame, had they been more accurate with their finishing.
Despite conceding the fewest shots on goal of any team in MLS, LAFC had problems defending Pec in their two matches this season. He nearly scored an amazing long-range effort in the first half of their match in April, which had to be pushed away by Hugo Lloris.
And while he was denied a first-half shot in the rematch in July, Pec did score the Galaxy’s only goal in a 2-1 defeat.
Add in the creativity of Reus and Puig, and it’ll be hard for the visitors to keep Pec at bay.
LA Galaxy vs LAFC same-game parlay (SGP)
Gabriel Pec 1+ shots in the first half
Riqui Puig 4+ shots
Over 2.5 goals
Dating back to July, Puig has scored in three matches on the trot in league play. He was suspended last time out but is coming off a pair of matches where he attempted six shots in each. Puig has attempted 5+ shots in both El Trafico meetings this season, and I like the floor of four shots here.
You have to go back to October 2021 to find the last MLS match between these clubs that saw fewer than three goals. In fact, these clubs have staged El Trafico in league play 21 times since the start of the 2018 campaign, and only three times has the scoreline not ended up with 3+ goals on the board.
Given the stakes, I expect both sides will be going for the win.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
LA Galaxy vs LAFC odds
LA Galaxy vs LAFC live odds
LA Galaxy vs LAFC opening odds
- Moneyline: LA Galaxy +145 | LAFC +150
- Draw: +275
- Over/Under: Over 3.5 (+100) | Under 3.5 (-140)
LA Galaxy vs LAFC side and Over/Under analysis
- LAFC are slight favorites away from home. One book has both sides evenly priced for the win on the 3-way line, with the draw paying +270.
- LAFC has won three straight El Traficos, but have just one win in their last four matches with only two goals scored. The Galaxy have won four straight matches at home in MLS action.
- The Over 2.5 is heavily juiced, and you have to go to 3.25 on the Asian market to find an even split on odds.
- Six of LA Galaxy’s last seven matches in all competitions have featured 3+ goals, and they’ve conceded multiple goals in half their MLS outings this season.
LA Galaxy vs LAFC game info
| Location: | StubHub Center, Carson, CA |
| Date: | Saturday, 9-14-2024 |
| Time: | 10:30 p.m. ET |
| TV: | Apple TV |
| Weather: |
Temps in the mid-60s with light winds and no rain. |
LA Galaxy vs LAFC key injuries
LA Galaxy: Joseph Paintsil F (Out), Julian Aude M (Doubtful), Carlos Garces F (Out).
LAFC: Jesus Murillo D (Out), Lorenzo Dellavalle D (Out).
Not intended for use in MA.
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