MLS: LA Galaxy vs. Colorado Rapids Preview, Odds, Prediction

The LA Galaxy looks to continue its rise in the Western Conference standings with a win over Colorado Rapids. However, that won’t be an easy task because the guests come to LA with the same ambitions. The Rapids are currently four points behind the third-placed Galaxy, but with two games in hand. They are in a much better position than the hosts who need to win here and rebuff the surge of their direct rival for the top spots in the conference. Therefore, a triumph here will be worth double because the winner won’t take three points but also snatch the same amount from the rival.

Preview

LA Galaxy (+100) has four matches in a row without a defeat, recording three victories and one draw. It all started against Timber, whom they trashed 4-1, then continued with a win over Real Salt Lake, 1-0, and a draw vs. Vancouver Whitecaps 1-1. These three contests were at home, while the most recent against Minnesota United was on the road.

Greg Vanney’s side managed to squeeze out a minimal triumph, 0-1, with the only goal coming in the 43rd minute of the match. The scorer was Kevin Cabral.

After experiencing certain problems in the backline, Vanney’s side took the defensive part of the game to another level, allowing just two goals in the past four games. Overall, the previous three encounters they played were under 2.5 scores.

Colorado Rapids (+250) lost just once in the past eight games. That sole defeat was in Salt Lake City to Real, 3-0, and apart from that, Robin Fraser’s crew had four wins and three draws.

The Rapids conceded a single goal in the past three events, and that was against Dynamo in Houston last weekend. The team from Colorado won, 1-3, inflicting the hosts their first home loss of the season.

Five of the last eight matches Rapids played were with just one side netting, and they were usually the ones who kept clean sheets. They have mixed results on the road where Colorado usually prefers to be ultra-defensive and collect points like that.

Latest News

Chicharito is still questionable for this event, while Ethan Zubak is most definitely out. Dejan Joveljic adapted to the new environment and already debuted.

On the other side, Younes Namil is out, and he is the only ineligible player for the guests.

Head to Head Games

Believe it or not, Colorado won the last three meetings in LA, allowing just one goal. Overall, they have seven straight matches against Galaxy without losing a single one, posting five victories and two draws. The most recent one was in April this year, and it was a friendly, 2-2.

Prediction

Even though they might appear without Chichaito, our money in this one is on Galaxy. After winning in Minnesota, we strongly believe that they have a chance to snap a streak of negative results against tough and well-organized Rapids. Galaxy recorded the majority of its wins at home, and this one is simply a must because of the importance of Tuesday’s contest.

Pick: Galaxy Wins +100

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