MLS: LA FC vs. St. Louis City Preview, Betting Tips, Predictions, Picks

The situation in LA FC is terrible, but if the MLS champions defeat the Western Conference leaders, St. Louis City, all this could change. Steve Cherudnolo and his crew are experiencing a nightmare, losing games constantly, and wasting points even at home against teams they used to beat in the past without any problems. As for the guests from St. Louis, they are the most positive surprise in the MLS, having a very strong campaign in the first year of their MLS adventure. They don’t have some superstars like other rivals but are one powerful unit. 

Preview

LA FC (-190) are without a victory for the recent four events, losing three in a row before playing 1-1 against the state rivals, the San Jose Earthquakes. It was another shaky performance delivered by the FC, whose head coach, Steve Cherundolo slowly loses control over the team.

The discipline isn’t the problem, but the fact that he can’t get the players to give their maximum and that he uses the wrong tactics. If things continue to develop in the current direction, he might be out of the picture while there is still time for the Black and Gold to come back and save the season.

FC’s defense has been terrible, with just one clean sheet in the last ten events. On the other hand, we’ve seen the offense playing well from time to time, yet without any consistency. 

St. Louis City (+500) is in first place in the West, having 38 points in 21 appearances, with a goal difference of 40 scored and 24 conceded. Right now, the unit from Missouri rides a three-game winning streak during which they beat the Quakes in San Jose, 1-2, Rapids at home, 2-0, and Toronto in Canada, 0-1.

Bradley Carnell has a very tough group of guys at his disposal, with him and the front office picking guys from European leagues as the team’s foundation. That’s why St. Louis plays very aggressive and high-paced football.

When playing on the road, City hasn’t been that confident but comes into this event after back-to-back victories. A vast majority of their road trips have ended with 2 or 3 goals. 

Latest News

Aaron Long is on international duty. Sergi Palencia, Jesus Murillo both have problems with injuries, while Maxime Creapau seems to be suspended due to a red card. 

Edward Lowen, Joao Klauss and Joakim Nilsson are all out due to injuries. 

Head to Head Games

These two units have never met before, because St. Louis only began playing the MLS this year. 

Predictions

The FC is in a very complicated situation, and they don’t have too many options right now. We are aware that the morale in the locker room isn’t high, but the champs have to show mentality and go out strong right from the start. Meanwhile, the guests are in solid form, and they score goals all the time. St. Louis frequently concedes as well, and when we put all the above written together, our best pick here would be for both teams to score. 

Pick: Both teams to score -195

Here are more MLS Previews:

• SKC vs. Real Salt Lake
• New York Red Bulls vs. FC Cincinnati
• New England Revolution vs. Atlanta United