MLS 2023: LA Galaxy vs LAFC: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

Published at :April 15, 2023 at 10:04 PM

Modified at :April 15, 2023 at 10:08 PM

El Tráfico: LA Galaxy looks for their 1st win of the season as they host derby rivals LAFC at home.

One of the most anticipated fixtures of MLS is finally here in Gameweek- 7, the El Tráfico also known as the Los Angeles Derby. The rivalry between the two MLS clubs based in the Greater Los Angeles area, LA Galaxy and Los Angeles FC has produced some of the most memorable matches.

From Zlatan to Carlos Vella, some of the big names in world football have played in this high-octane derby and produced all-time classic matches. Talking about classics, back in 2018 this fixture saw Zlatan Ibrahimovic come on as a substitute for his debut in MLS when his team was behind 1-3 with only 30 mins to the final whistle. Zlatan not only scored on his debut but won 4-3 by scoring the winner in the closing minutes of the game.

This season, LA Galaxy are going to host LAFC at their home which has always proven to be a tricky fixture for the away team. They are still yet to register a win at this stadium and this time they will be confident in getting a favorable result with 04 wins and 02 draws out of 06 matches they’ve played in MLS so far.

Their star attacker, Carlos Vela has looked out of touch at times but he still managed a single goal and 03 assists at the start of the season. They have scored 12 goals and only conceded 03 goals which highlights the efficiency of football LAFC is playing at the moment despite having a busy schedule as they are also playing in CONCACAF Champions League. They are yet to lose a match in MLS and will look to continue their winning streak at their bitter rival’s home ground.

Whereas the story of rivals LA Galaxy, has been completely opposite after failing to register a single win in the previous 6 fixtures. Their coach Greg Vanney has blasted the speculations that his team is lacking in content and that fans are dissatisfied with the team’s poor start of the season.

He pointed out that despite losing their captain to injury before the season and the main goalkeeper being sidelined, it wasn’t an expected start to the season. However, with Chicharito returning from his injury coach is confident that the team will bounce back to winning ways against their match with LAFC on Sunday eve.

Kick-off

Sunday, 16-04-2023, 4:30PM (ET)

Monday, 17-04-2023, 02:00 am (IST)

Stadium: Dignity Health Sports Park, Location: Carson, CA

LA Galaxy Form (In All Competitions): D- D- D- L- L

LAFC Form (In All Competitions): W- D- W- D- W

Player to watch

LA Galaxy: Javier Hernandez (Chicharito)

The Mexican international has failed to turn up the tides this season also recently coming back from injury but when facing LAFC at home, he has a decent record. He has played 4 matches at home and scored 3 goals in El Trafico for LA Galaxy. With the return to the team sheet, he’ll be looking to return to the scoring sheet as well and this might be the exact game the Chicharito will need to get his season up and running.

LAFC: Carlos Vela

Vela doesn’t need an introduction when these two heavyweights are facing each other. He goes on a goal-scoring spree against the derby rivals as in 12 matches he has played against LA Galaxy, he has scored 10 goals and 6 assists to his name. This stat alone makes him the biggest threat to the LA Galaxy defense and team. This time Vela would be looking to register a memorable win at this stadium with a chance to go to the top of the table after Gameweek 7.

Match Facts for LA Galaxy vs LAFC

In 16 matches played between LA Galaxy & LAFC, they have never been involved in a goalless draw. Goals Guaranteed fixture.
LA Galaxy has never lost to LAFC at home in the 08 matches played at Dignity Health Sports Park.
LA Galaxy's 03 points through 06 games equal its fewest at this stage of a season (1997) while its 03 goals are the fewest it’s ever scored after 06 games of an MLS season.

Injury and Team News for LA Galaxy vs LAFC

LAFC: Injury: Maxime Crepeau is out with an injury to his left leg.

LA Galaxy: Injury: Jonathan Bond has been sidelined due to an injury to his right shoulder.

Red Card: Martín Cáceres received 2 yellow cards in the match against Huston with his baffling decision to barge into the Video Review area to lay hands on the referee.

Head to Head stats

Matches – 17

LA Galaxy – 7

LAFC – 5

Draws – 5

Predicted Lineups for LA Galaxy vs LAFC

LA Galaxy Predicted Lineup (4-1-4-1):

(c) Javier Hernandez, Jalen Neal, Raheem Edwards, Gastón Brugman, Memo Rodríguez, Marky Delgado, Riqui Puig, Tyler Boyd, Jonathan Klinsmann, Calegari, Kelvin Leerdam

LAFC Predicted Lineup (4-3-3):

John McCarthy, Ryan Hollingshead, Jesús Murillo, Giorgio Chiellini,Diego Palacios, José Cifuentes, Ilie Sánchez, Kellyn Acosta, Kwadwo Opoku, (c) Carlos Vela, Denis Bouanga

Match Prediction

El Trafico always turns out to be one of the highest voltage fixtures where all the match expectations are met with an equal level of performance by the perspective teams. This season however LA Galaxy has failed to score goals and is winless in their previous 06 fixtures but winning against these rivals will not only get them 1st win but also boost their morale for the rest of the season.

LAFC will be looking forward to capitalizing on their current form where attacking and defending have been top-level. It can help them to register their 1st win at this away ground. This fixture produces 2.5 goals scored on average, so you can expect a fixture that runs high on intensity and goals.

Prediction: LA Galaxy 1 – 2 LAFC

Live telecast details

India: Apple TV

UK: Apple TV

USA: Apple TV, FOX, TSN2

Nigeria: None