MLS: LAFC vs. FC Dallas Preview, Odds, Head to Head, Prediction

LAFC meets its conference rivals, FC Dallas, on Saturday night. The team from LA is the reigning MLS champion, and even though many believe that they don’t have the capability of defending the title, we disagree with such a claim. Yes, Gareth Bale is out of the picture, and that’s a big blow, but FC has enough replacements for the Welsh winger. Dallas is the rising power, and the franchise from Texas intends to interfere in the battle for the top of the conference. This is the first test for Nico Estevez’s crew, and we are about to see where they stand. 

Preview

LAFC (-195) didn’t win in back-to-back events. At first, they lost to Alajunense at home, 1-2, but that defeat didn’t harm the MLS champs, who were better than the rivals in Costa Rica, 0-3. After the CCL clash, we’ve seen them traveling to Seattle to meet the Sounders, and that affair saw no goals. 

In three MLS events this season, LAFC posted two victories and the above-mentioned draw. FC was better than Portland Timbers at home, 3-2, before rolling over the New England Revolution, 4-0. 

Off five overall games played since the campaign kick-off, four were with over 2.5 goals, and in three of them, Bob Bradley netted at least three times, which is impressive, regardless of the rivals. 

FC Dallas (+355) opened the MLS championship with a surprising loss at home against Minnesota United, 0-1. It seems that the pressure broke Estevez and his rivals because they stood as massive favorites before, and the fans expected to see them routinely solving the guests from Minneapolis. 

Yet after that, Dallas bounced back, posting two victories and one tie. They were better than LAFC’s city rivals, Galaxy, 3-1, then played 1-1 in Vancouver against Whitecaps before hosting Sporting Kansas City. Dallas triumphed 2-1 over the 2013 MLS champs. 

As you can see, the unit from Texas conceded in all four events, with the defense being their problem for a long time. Excellent attack and the axis Ferreira-Arriola covered up all that with fantastic performances. The same scenario is expected this season. 

Latest News

Ryan Hollingshead is doubtful for LAFC, while Maxime Crepau won’t play.

Tarik Scott is the only player who won’t be eligible against LAFC on Saturday. 

Head to Head Games

When these two units meet, we see a festival of goals. The past three were all with over 2.5 goals, and both sides netting. In 2022 year, each time got away with a victory. LAFC was better at home in June, 3-1, while Dallas took advantage of its home field to beat the rivals, 2-1, in September. 

Though, when mentioning home field, LAFC utilizes this convenience against FC Dallas, winning the recent three games in LA against them, netting at least twice in each. 

Prediction

The hosts are our pick. Their attack is excellent, and the chances to see Dallas’ defense successfully withstanding the pressure from the other side are minimal. Especially now when LAFC immediately reached good form, even though it’s early into the season. For those who have the capability to make combo bets, go with LAFC to win and score at least twice. 

Pick: LAFC -195