Home side Los Angeles FC can boost their chances of reaching the MLS playoffs with a victory rivals LA Galaxy on Sunday morning at BMO Stadium in the final El Trafico fixture this year.
The hosts are fourth in the Western Conference with 35 points from 20 games, while their opponents are last in 15th place with 15 points following their 2-1 loss against Austin FC, and they are 14 points and six places from the playoffs.
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LAFC vs LA Galaxy prediction: Contrasting defences
Key stats
- LAFC have kept three consecutive clean sheets, and they have conceded one or fewer goals in eight of their last nine outings.
- LA Galaxy have conceded nine goals in their past six games, and their return of 45 goals conceded is the worst record in the Western Conference.
- The hosts' have also scored two or more goals in 11 of their 13 most recent MLS matches.
Correct score prediction: LAFC 3-0 LA Galaxy
It is difficult to look past the fact that LAFC have been impressive at both ends of the pitch, and they will likely emerge as winners.
Pre-game odds and win probability: LAFC strong favourites according to bookmakers
- HOME: 10/21 (1.48) – 67.7%
- DRAW: 16/5 (4.2) – 23.8%
- AWAY: 4/1 (5) – 20%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
LAFC are seen as the expected winner of this clash, with a probability of 67.7%, and the bookmakers would be surprised if LA Galaxy claimed all three points.
You can find all our predictions for today's games on our football betting tips page.
Last five H2Hs: High-scoring affairs
LAFC have triumphed in three of their last five encounters with LA Galaxy, but while they scored 12 goals in those clashes, they also conceded 10 times.
USA MLS 19/05/25
LA Galaxy
Los Angeles FC
USA MLS 15/09/24
LA Galaxy
Los Angeles FC
USA MLS 05/07/24
LA Galaxy
Los Angeles FC
USA MLS 07/04/24
Los Angeles FC
LA Galaxy
USA MLS 17/09/23
Los Angeles FC
LA Galaxy
LAFC preview: Strong form
LAFC emerged as victors in their last three outings by a cumulative score of 6-0, with the club beating Minnesota United 1-0 on July 17 thanks to top-scorer Denis Bouanga's first-half penalty.
Goalkeeper Hugo Lloris is in outstanding form, and he can be expected to continue between the posts.
Predicted lineup: Lloris (GK), Palencia, Tafari, Segura, Hollingshead, Jesus, Delgado, Yeboah, Martinez, Ordaz, Bouanga
USA MLS 11/05/25
D
Vancouver Whitecaps
2
Los Angeles FC
2
USA MLS 04/05/25
W
Houston Dynamo
0
Los Angeles FC
2
USA MLS 27/04/25
D
St. Louis City SC
2
Los Angeles FC
2
USA MLS 20/04/25
D
Portland Timbers
3
Los Angeles FC
3
USA MLS 13/04/25
W
San Jose Earthquakes
1
Los Angeles FC
2
LA Galaxy preview: Improved form derailed by Austin FC
LA Galaxy had won two MLS games in a row – something they had not achieved since December 2024 – prior to their match against Austin FC on July 17, when they lost 2-1.
Midfielder Riqui Puig is set to be sidelined until the middle of August as a result of an ACL injury, though Marco Reus is available for selection.
Predicted lineup: Micovic (GK), Yamane, Jorgensen, Yoshida, Nelson, Reus, Cerrillo, Fagundez, Pec, Ramirez, Paintsil
USA MLS 10/05/25
L
New York Red Bulls
7
LA Galaxy
0
USA MLS 04/05/25
L
Sporting Kansas City
1
LA Galaxy
0
USA MLS 28/04/25
L
Portland Timbers
4
LA Galaxy
2
USA MLS 19/04/25
L
Austin FC
1
LA Galaxy
0
USA MLS 13/04/25
D
Houston Dynamo
1
LA Galaxy
1
Player to watch – Marco Reus
Marco Reus has been key to LA Galaxy's somewhat improved performances since joining in August following the expiry of his Borussia Dortmund contract.
The German has scored six goals and provided five assists in 17 MLS matches, including two goals and three assists in his last six league outings.