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

Who will win the biggest derby in MLS?

The El Trafico, is one of the most heated rivalries in MLS. The two teams are separated by just 11 miles, and the matches between them are always packed with passion and excitement. In terms of recent form, LA FC have the edge. They are currently in third place in the Western Conference, while LA Galaxy is in amongst the bottom two teams in the conference.

Even though LAFC has better form right now, they have been handed three losses in the last three matches whereas LA Galaxy has a little better record coming into this match. LA FC will look to move to the second spot in the points table while LA Galaxy will look to move up in the points table, this match is going to be an interesting one for the fans in Los Angeles.

Kick-Off:

Sunday, 17 September 2023 at 8 A.M IST

Location: BMO Stadium

Form:

LAFC (MLS): D-W-L-L-L

LA Galaxy (MLS): L-W-D-D-D

Players to watch:

Carlos Vela (LAFC)

Carlos Vela has had a good start to the 2023 MLS season. He has played in 27 games, has scored 9 goals, and has 6 assists, for a total of 15 goal contributions so far. LA FC's captain's form has been inconsistent at times this season but he is still one of the most dangerous players in MLS. Vela is a key player for LAFC, and his form will be crucial to the team's success in the later stages of the competition.

Riqui Puig (LA Galaxy)

The former Barcelona man has announced himself in the MLS since his arrival from Spain. Riqui Puig is one of the talented young players in the league, in the 25 matches that he has played this season, the young midfielder has scored 6 goals and has 4 assists. The latest he scored in this competition was against St.Louis, he converted the spot kick to put LA Galaxy back in the match. He is a creative and skillful dribbler, and he has a good passing range. He is also a good ball-winner, and he has shown a willingness to defend.

Match facts:

• Los Angeles FC have scored in 13 of the last 15 matches, LA Galaxy has conceded in 10 of their 12 away matches.
• The home team will try to break their three-game losing streak whereas LA Galaxy will look to maintain their recent form and come up with a victory.
• Both sides are experiencing very different situations, this match at BMO Stadium is expected to be an interesting game.

Injury & Team News for LAFC vs LA Galaxy:

LA Galaxy defender Lucas Calegari has 22 starts and ranks second on the team but he sustained a knee injury earlier this month. He is the fourth player to have his season end early because of injury. Rique Puig is wearing the armband only because the team’s first two choices for captain are hurt.

LAFC has signed forward Yekeson Subah and defender Lorenzo Dellavalle to short-term agreements from LA FC 2. Dellavalle has been signed from Serie A side Juventus, Subah is only 19-year-old attacker who can add his versatility to this squad and help Carlos Vera in attack.

Head to Head:

Total Matches - 20

LA FC wins - 6

LA Galaxy wins - 9

Draws - 5

Predicted Lineup:

LA FC

J. McCarthy (GK); S. Palencia, J. Murillo, A. Long, D. Palacios; T. Tillman, Ilie Sanchez, K. Acosta; M. Bogusz, M. Gonzalez, C. Vela

LA Galaxy

J. Bond (GK), J. Aude, C. Mavinga, M. Yoshida, M. Cuevas; E. Cerrillo, O. Rosell; D. Costa, R. Puig, T. Boyd; D. Joveljic

Match Prediction for LAFC vs LA Galaxy:

LAFC is the home team and is currently in third place in the Western Conference. They have a strong offense, led by Carlos Vela, who has 9 goals and 6 assists this season. However, LA Galaxy won the last match with a scoreline of 2-1 when these two sides met in July. Riqui Puig scored the winning goal in the derby. Based on the current form of the two teams, LAFC is the slight favorites to win the game. It is going to be a close match, and anything could happen.

Prediction: LA FC 2-1 LA Galaxy

Telecast:

India – Apple TV

UK – Apple TV

US – FOX, Apple TV

Nigeria - Apple TV