After a year during which no California teams made playoffs for the first time in league history this first installment of the LA Galaxy against Los Angeles FC is a good time to announce that the state is back where it belongs in the Western Conference. Steve Cherundolo is thriving after succeeding Bob Bradley. This year LAFC has created more goals from pressing, getting back to their roots of being a dynamic attacking unit.
For the Galaxy, Greg Vanney has also improved the defense but they've been more pragmatic at picking spots to shoot. Generally, a Raheem Edwards to Javier "Chicarito" Hernandez connection is what leads the Galaxy to a victory, but they'll need Douglas Costa to up his contributions sooner than later if things are going to be sustainable.
The Galaxy defense will have a tough job neutralizing Ilie Sanchez from playing conductor in midfield. Sanchez ranks second in passes into the final third with 42 as playing next to Kellyn Acosta, he's able to recover the ball and get things rolling up the pitch to their dangerous front three. Mark Delgado will miss the match with a suspension, so it will be critical to see who Vanney charges with this task on the day.
Here's our storylines, how you can watch the match and more:
How to watch and odds
- Date: Saturday, Apr. 9 | Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Dignity Health Sports Park -- Carson, California
- TV: FOX | Live stream: fuboTV (try for free)
- Odds: LA Galaxy +155; Draw +230; LAFC +155 (via Caesars Sportsbook)
Team News
LA Galaxy: The Galaxy will miss Delgado due to a suspension but Vanney does have options to replace him. Adam Saldana and Jorge Villafana will also miss the match due to injury but the rest of the roster will be available for selection. If Vanney wants to open up the attack, Victor Vazquez is an option for replacing Delgado but it depends on what he feels is best for the occasion.
Los Angeles FC: The team mostly has a clean bill of health, though Franco Escobar and Doneil Henry are both questionable. Even if he's healthy, Escobar likely will start the match on the bench considering how Ryan Hollingshead has performed to open the season. Following his arrival from FC Dallas, Hollingshead has hit the ground running with two goals on the season already. Eddie Segura and Erik Dunenas will also miss the match.
Prediction
It'll be a close affair but the Galaxy have been too good in the closing minutes of games so I'm taking a late equalizer that will see the points shared. Pick: LA Galaxy 1, LAFC 1