MLS: LAFC vs. Real Salt Lake Betting Preview, Odds, Prediction

LAFC and Real Salt Lake sit next to one another in the MLS standings and clash on Saturday night. These two teams are in the playoff zone and definitely have the potential to stay there, but they have to be consistent throughout the entire campaign because of the ruthless competition. Both LAFC and RSL are closer to the bottom of that zone, which forces them to go after all three points here and be aggressive. After all, this is a contest between two direct rivals for the postseason spot.

Preview

LAFC (-200) sits fifth in the West with 18 points in 12 games, eleven fewer than the first-placed Seattle, but with the game in hand. Following a period of shaky performances in May, FC began playing much better, and over the past five games, posted three wins and a loss and a draw each, collecting 10 points.

What is interesting is that during the stretch mentioned above, Bob Bradley’s boys kept clean sheets in all three victories. We also want to mention is that the latest two were on the road. 

When it comes to the efficiency of LAFC’s games, there is a noticeable pattern here. Only one of the previous ten ended outside 2 or 3 goals range, and that was in Salt Lake on the fourth of July, 0-1.

Real Salt Lake (+500) had three unsuccessful games in late June and early July, but managed to bounce back with a high 0-4 win in Vancouver against Whitecaps. After the season opener in Minnesota, that was the only win this team generated on the road. Though we need to say that from 11 matches played, RSL was the host on seven occasions.

It means that the upcoming part of the season will be challenging, and that they will have to play more on the road than at home. They aren’t that shinny, despite sitting in the playoff area. In the last nine events, Real recorded only two wins, three losses, and six draws.

All four matches on the road they had saw over 2.5 goals, and just one ended without both teams netting.

Latest News

LAFC’s Erik Duenas and Kwadwo Opoku are not available for this game.

Zack Farnsworth and Jeizon Ramires are injured both and out of the combination in Real.

Head to Head Games

Now check this data out. The previous five head-to-head games were all in Salt Lake, and the record is heavily on LAFC’s side, with four wins, While Real has just one. 

Real hosted the team from LA on July 4, and lost 0-1. The only scorer was Jose Cifuentes, who netted in the second half. 

Prediction

This should be an easy task for the hosts, who are coming back home, boosted with two road wins in a row. Apart from that, they have a much better team, in our opinion, with Vela and Rossi upfront. The odds on LAFC’s win are maybe not as some would like -200, but overall, there isn’t too much risk in this pick. For those who want a bit fatter check, try LAFC wins via -1.5 goal handicap. The odds here are +130. 

Pick: LAFC Wins -200