MLS: LAFC vs. New York Red Bulls Preview, Odds, Prediction

The game of the week takes place in Los Angeles, where LAFC hosts the New York Red Bulls at the Banc of California Stadium. The home unit is at the top of the Western Conference and seeks consistency to keep that place. Meanwhile, NYRB is second in the Eastern part of the league and comes off a big win in the US Open Cup against the biggest rivals, New York City. Pretty much all of the MLS fans are going to monitor this event because it might have a massive impact on the entire championship race, and because it could be quite interesting.

Preview

LAFC (-105) has only two wins in the past six games across all the competitions. Though, there was some improvement in the past two events, once they beat San Jose Earthquakes at home, 3-2, and got out from Seattle with one point, 1-1.

Prior to those contests, LAFC lost three games in four, ending their US Open Cup quest against the archenemies, LA Galaxy, 3-1. Their form at home has been impressive this year, suffering only one loss in eight MLS clashes, with five wins and two draws, scoring 18 and conceding nine goals.

Since the season began, LAFC didn’t net two or more goals at the Banc of California stadium only once, which was way back in March. Other than that, Vela and the boys were at the highest possible level with their performances.

New York Red Bulls (+260) couldn’t make a better intro for this game. Gerhard Struber’s unit rolled over its biggest rivals, New York City FC, in the US Cup Open, 3-0. Just to remind you, NYCFC is also the reigning MLS champion and the current leader of the Eastern Conference. So all this suggests that the Bulls are in good shape.

The other fact that proves their excellent form are four wins in the previous five events, and at least two goals scored in all of them. Though, we need to say that all those successes came at home. When analyzing only away games, they haven’t won in the most recent three, posting one draw and two defeats along the way, not scoring in each one.

However, up until these three events, Struber’s boys had a five-game winning streak on the road, which propelled them near the top of the standings.

Latest News

Vela is back for the home unit, and he will start the game, according to the team sources. Though, Diego Palacios, Julian Gaines, and Erik Duenas are out.

Patryk Klimala was out before the game, and Serge Ngoma, Lucas Monzon, and Andres Reyes all sit as doubtful for this event.

Head to Head Games

The two sides had a friendly clash in February this year, and the LAFC demolished the Bulls, 6-1. It was interesting that the Bulls took the lead in this one.

Prediction

LAFC is the favorite here, and given the fact that they have a home-court edge, our money is on them to win. It will be a very tough event, but still, with Vela 100% ready for this game, we simply have to bet on them to take all three points. For those who aren’t willing to risk here, both teams to score is the second-best option.

Pick: LAFC Win -105