Verdict: San Diego FC win
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Luckster
Two sides who find themselves scrapping it out at opposite ends of the Western Conference standings, San Diego will host local rivals LA Galaxy on Saturday night.
San Diego FC
Starting with the hosts, while San Diego might have only made their MLS debut this season, Mikey Varas’ men have come flying out of the traps. Putting 24 points on the board from their first 14 appearances, another victory on Saturday night would move them within touching distance of top spot in the Western Conference table. Getting May underway with a sensational 5-0 romp against Dallas, the MLS debutants have ed 10 points from their last four appearances. Smelling the chance to lay down another marker, Varas’ side will also be excited by their recent defensive steel. In fact, San Diego have conceded just a single strike in almost 400 minutes of action. It should also be highlighted, Saturday’s hosts have lost just one of their opening eight showdowns at the Snapdragon Stadium.
San Diego FC Team News
All still dealing with respective injury issues, San Diego are once again expected to be without the trio of Hamady Diop, Andres Reyes and former Union Berlin striker Marcus Ingvartsen this weekend. Despite struggling with fitness issues this season, ex-LA Galaxy star Emmanuel Boateng could get some more minutes under his belt.
Completing a shock move from Dutch giants PSV during the January transfer window, Mexican ace Hirving Lozano will play a leading role. Northern Ireland international Paddy McNair will start at the heart of Varas’ defence on Saturday night.
LA Galaxy
As for the visitors, while LA Galaxy might have eventually snatched a 2-2 stalemate at home against bitter local foes Los Angeles earlier in the month, Greg Vanney’s men have endured a public MLS nightmare this season. Rightfully coming under a huge amount of scrutiny, Los Galacticos have remarkably collected just four points from any of their first 14 appearances and they sit rock-bottom of the Western Conference table. Slumping to a woeful 7-0 drumming at the hands of New York Red Bulls on May 11th, Saturday’s guests are still yet to claim a maiden MLS victory. Facing what should be another stern examination when they travel across California this weekend, Vanney’s struggling squad have also gained a reputation for their defensive issues. Shipping 33 goals so far this season, LA Galaxy comfortably hold the worst defensive tally in the Western Conference.
LA Galaxy Team News
Still yet to make a single MLS appearance since opening up the new campaign, LA Galaxy will once again be without Riqui Puig on Saturday night. However, aside from the one-time Barcelona starlet, Vanney’s camp have reported a clean bill of health.
Bagging a brace against LAFC on Monday, former Borussia Dortmund icon Marco Reus will play a leading role and should partner ex-Aberdeen marksman Christian Ramirez in the final third. Making a cameo appearance off the bench earlier in the week, Ghana international Joseph Paintsil could be handed a full recall.
Key Factors to Consider
- When San Diego and LA Galaxy met for their maiden meeting on February 24th, Saturday’s hosts collected a 2-0 victory at the Dignity Health Sports Park.
- San Diego have ed 10 points from their previous four MLS appearances.
- LA Galaxy have remarkably collected just four points from any of their opening 14 MLS appearances so far this season.
- The Western Conference strugglers have shipped 33 MLS goals so far this season and comfortably hold the worst defensive tally.
- San Diego have conceded just a single strike in almost 400 minutes of action.
Conclusion
Landing what was a routine 2-0 victory when they travelled to the Dignity Health Sports Park on February 24th, San Diego will certainly be smelling another real opportunity here. Knowing that they can move within touching distance of top spot in the Western Conference, Saturday’s hosts meet an LA Galaxy squad who find themselves at the heart of a public crisis. With Vanney’s squad still yet to collect a single MLS victory and putting just four points on the board from their opening 14 appearances, we are backing a home win this weekend.
Verdict: San Diego FC win
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Luckster
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