- Austin sits second behind Los Angeles at the Western Conference table
- Both teams suffered rare defeats in their last games
- LAFC have won seven of their previous eight MLS fixtures
Top Teams in MLS’ Western Conference
The top two in MLS’ Western Conference square off this weekend as Austin entertains Los Angeles at Q2 Stadium.
These two are among the best in America’s top tier right now, but who will come out on top in Texas? Victory for LAFC will open a 12-point gap over Los Verdes in the Western section.
Check out the latest MLS player stats and soccer odds in our Austin FC vs LAFC picks and predictions betting preview.
Austin vs. Los Angeles Odds Breakdown
Home | Tie | Away |
---|---|---|
+160 | +270 | +125 |
Los Angeles Matchup Odds
Los Angeles is flying high at the top of MLS right now, and Steve Cherundolo’s boys head to Texas as the favorites (+125), but only just.
Austin Matchup Odds
Austin, who is available at +160, is also having an exceptional season, responding incredibly well from last term’s lowly 24th-place finish.
However, this will be one of the home team’s toughest challenges of the campaign so far. After suffering a surprise defeat last time out, LAFC will be desperate to get back to winning ways here.
So who has the upper hand? Read on as our Austin FC vs LAFC Picks and Predictions continue.
Austin FC vs. LAFC Information
- Competition: MLS
- Location: Q2 Stadium
- Time: Friday, 26th Aug 2022, 8 PM EDT
- How to Watch: ESPN
Austin FC Analysis
No matter what happens from now until the end of the season, Austin will have a fine 2022 MLS campaign. They had a year to forget last time around, winning just nine of 34 league matches.
Can the Home Side Upset the Leaders?
They finished 24th out of 27 in the combined table, collecting a mere 31 points in the process. Incredibly, despite their low position in the MLS standings, the Oaks drew 21 games and only suffered four defeats.
Things have been far different for Austin this term, however. They have already picked up five more wins and have racked up 17 more points.
The Texas outfit has been tough to beat again, losing only six times, but two of those defeats have come in their last five fixtures.
Austin’s Leadership
Austin has been solid at the home of late, winning two of the past four. Last time out at Q2 Stadium, Josh Wolff’s boys edged a seven-goal thriller against Sporting Kansas City, with Jon Gallagher, Julio Cascante, Danny Hoesen, and Sebastian Driussi getting the goals in the 4-3 win.
Can the Verde and Black bounce back from last week’s loss at Minnesota United and stun the leaders?
Projected Lineup:
- Brad Stuver
- Jon Gallagher
- Ruben Gabrielsen
- Julio Cascante
- Nick Lima
- Daniel Pereira
- Alexander Ring
- Diego Fagundez
- Sebastian Driussi
- Ethan Finlay
- Maximiliano Urruti
Injuries:
- Hector Jimenez
- Freddy Kleemann
LAFC Analysis
Los Angeles has been the real deal in MLS this season. They made several superb signings and have certainly made themselves the team to beat in America’s top division.
LAFC to Return to Winning Ways?
LAFC led the way after 26 games played, winning 18, drawing three, and losing five. Steve Cherundolo’s side is nine points clear at the top of the Western Conference and six points ahead of Minnesota United in the combined table.
Los Angeles has been flying lately, recording a staggering 11 wins from their past 14 MLS fixtures. They recently went on a seven-game winning streak.
Their bubble burst in the last one, however, as the Californian club was beaten 2-1 by local rivals San Jose Earthquakes at PayPal Park.
Los Angeles Bouncing Back
Having lost a derby game last weekend, Los Angeles will want to bounce back with three points at the first time of asking. They will put one hand on the Western Conference championship trophy with a win in Texas on Friday.
Projected Lineup:
- Maxime Crepeau
- Diego Palacios
- Sebastian Ibeagha
- Jesus Murillo
- Franco Escobar
- Jhegson Mendez
- Kellyn Acosta
- Ryan Hollingshead
- Kwadwo Opoku
- Cristian Arango
- Latif Blessing
Injuries:
- Danny Musovski
- Tomas Romero
- Erik Duenas
- Julian Gaines
Austin FC vs. LAFC Pick and Prediction
Extra spice has been added to this already tasty-looking affair after both Austin and Los Angeles lost in their previous matches.
The home side has only suffered two defeats in their past 12, while LAFC’s reverse to San Jose ended a seven-game winning streak. See below for our Austin FC vs. LAFC picks and predictions.
Only three sides have picked up more away points than Los Angeles in MLS this season, and my money is going on the away win here.
Who to Bet On?
At the tempting MLS odds of +130, LAFC is worth backing to come out on top in Texas.
Austin usually finds the net, scoring in all bar two of their 26 league fixtures so far this season. When these two met in Los Angeles back in May, the Texas outfit left with a 2-1 win.
This time, my Austin FC vs. LAFC prediction is the Los Angeles win and both teams to score, which is nicely priced at +260. If you are learning how to bet soccer, use our expert MLS predictions!
Soccer Pick: Los Angeles (+130)
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