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Los Angeles FC vs Seattle Sounders
When: Saturday, April 24 – 15:00 PDT
Where: Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles, CA, USA
Weather: Sunny, 20°C
Los Angeles FC kicked off their 2021 MLS season with a convincing 2-0 win against the league newcomers Austin FC. Similarly, Seattle Sounders didn’t disappoint in their season opener, having crushed Minnesota United 4-0.
With one win in their pockets, LA FC and Sounders will now look to make it two-for-two, as they clash at Banc of California Stadium. Last time out, LA FC won 3-1 at home, which should be a solid indication of what is to come.
But can the hosts do it again, or will they prove to be no match for the 2019 MLS Cup champions?
Los Angeles FC Are Deadly at Home
In comparison to European football, the US fans are not as scary, so it’s hardly worth talking about any massive home advantage. That said, there is no denying that the teams tend to perform better on home turf.
Last year, teams won almost half of their home games and nearly twice as many as on the road, so it’s fair to say the trend will continue into 2021. What’s even more important to consider, however, is Los Angeles FC’s home record from 2021.
The Black and Gold were the most successful home side last season with a 8-4-2 record. They’ve picked up 28 points at home with a +19 GD. Although it’s worth pointing out that Seattle Sounders averaged more points at home (2.25 v 2.0) since they played two fewer games.
Regardless, we are more interested in Los Angeles FC’ home record in comparison to Seattle Sounders’ away record for this prediction.
Looking back at Los Angeles FC’s win against Austin FC, Bob Bradley’s men played well and deservingly walked away with all three points. They ended the match with 44% possession and shot the ball 9/24 on goal.
Their two goals came via Corey Baird in 61′ and Jose Adoni Cifuentes Charcopa in 90’+1. With LAFC’s top scorer of 2020 and Golden boot winner, Diego Rossi injured, it’s nice to see other players stepping up to the plate to carry the scoring burden.
Seattle Sounders’ Strong Start of The Season
After forcing a 1-1 draw with Portland Timbers and winning (1-0) against San Diego Loyal in the pre-season, Seattle Sounders crushed Minnesota United in their MLS 2021 season opener.
They won that match 4-0, and even that result doesn’t do justice to how well Sounders played. The scoreline could have been much higher than that – or at least 5-0 had Raul Ruidiaz not missed a penalty in 29′.
After such a strong performance, favoring Sounders for this match might make a lot of sense. That said, it’s worth noting that Sounders played their season opener at home.
As mentioned above Sounders have been very efficient at home the last term, but they haven’t impressed on the road. Sounders were just 3-3-4 in away games in 2020, yet they still made the final of the playoffs.
Sounders are 1-2-2 in their last five away games, which includes two painful losses against Colorado Rapids (1-3) and Columbus Crew (0-3), as well as uninspiring draws with Los Angeles Galaxy (1-1) and San Jose Earthquakes (0-0). The only team Seattle Sounders beat in that stretch were Vancouver Whitecaps with 2-0.
Los Angeles FC vs Seattle Sounders Betting Picks
Los Angeles FC will enter this match without Erik Duenas, Mohamed Traore, and Tristan Blackmon. Carlos Vela was pulled out of their game with Austin with a minor injury and is questionable.
Adding to that Corey Baird, Danny Musovski, and Diego Rossi are all likely to miss this match for the hosts as well. On the side of Seattle Sounders, things look slightly better in that department.
Nicolas Lodeiro missed Sounder’s last match and is likely to stay out of this one as well. He will join Jimmy Medranda as the only other missing player for the hosts.
Both sides got off to a strong start of the new season, but when picking them apart, we have to put a bit more emphasis on the home advantage LA FC will enjoy. They won this fixture 3-1 last time out and we don’t believe this match will be any different.
Prediction: Los Angeles FC to win
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