The LA Galaxy have had a solid start to their Major League Soccer season, and they can make it three victories in a row this weekend when they face Seattle. Let’s have a look at the current MLS betting picks.
Who do Bettors Favor?
Betting on these games with the best sportsbook sites indicates that Seattle are the big favourite. They are priced at around 1.90 while LA Galaxy are regarded as significant underdogs with most punters, at odds of 3.80 and the draw can be backed at 2.40.
Seattle Edge the Head to Head
The head-to-head record between these two MLS heavyweights seems to be quite even. Seattle has won 14, the Galaxy has won 15, and there have been 12 ties.
However, this does not tell the entire picture, since Seattle has dominated this rivalry in recent seasons. The Galaxy have not defeated the Sounders in their past seven meetings; in fact, the last time LA won this match was in September of 2018, when they won 3-0.
They played three times last season, with the Sounders winning twice and the Galaxy drawing once, but it’s worth noting that Seattle had the benefit of playing two of those games at home.
Slow Start for Sounders
The Sounders are MLS aristocracy, having won two titles and been finalists four times and can typically be counted on to play well throughout the regular season. The Sounders finished second in the West last season after a disappointing finish in which they failed to win any of their last six games, although they were heavily favoured to progress in the playoffs. As a result, their defeat to Real Salt Lake in the first round was a major disappointment.
Fans of the Sounders have reason to be concerned about their team’s dismal start to the 2022 domestic season. Another loss to Real Salt Lake and an opening day loss to Nashville were not the start Seattle had hoped for, and despite their list of severe injury absentees, they were expected to win both of those games.
Wins on the Board for LA Galaxy
The LA Galaxy are the most successful club in MLS history, having won the MLS Cup nine times, the most recent of which was in 2014. Recently, however, they have not hit the same heights and they had missed the playoffs in two of the previous three seasons coming into 2021. They battled for consistency all season under new coach Greg Vanney last year, finally missing the playoffs by one point.
By contrast, the 2022 campaign has started out well for Galaxy. They have a spotless record after two games, with 1-0 victories against reigning MLS Cup winners NYCFC and newcomers Charlotte. They scored late in each of those games, but in what will be a lengthy season, having the points on the board is all that counts, and Vanney will be thrilled with such a solid start.
Galaxy Have a Fitness Advantage
Josh Atencio, Will Bruin, Jimmy Medranda, and Raul Ruidiaz have all missed the first two games for Seattle this season, and it’s unclear whether any of them will be available for this one. More will be expected of new acquisition Albert Rusnak, whose move to Seattle from Real Salt Lake was one of the most talked-about off-season tales, but who has yet to make an impression in two appearances.
The sole player on the injury list for the LA Galaxy is midfielder Adam Saldana. Douglas Costa and Marky Delgado, the Galaxy’s two significant off-season additions, should both be in action again here.
Galaxy are the Best Bet
Seattle’s playoff defeat to Real Salt Lake was generally blamed on bad luck, which was probably fair. Seattle deserved to win on the balance of play, but they didn’t, which is something that occurs in knock-out soccer from time to time.
But their most recent loss to the same opponents was more concerning, especially because it came after a similarly awful performance versus Nashville. Yes, they are without key players but Seattle is known for the depth and balance of their roster, and they are in a better position to adjust than most teams. The Sounders are still formidable on defence, but they don’t have much upfront. A total of six attempts on target in two games speaks for itself and they were ponderous and uninspired in Utah.
For LA, the season couldn’t have begun any better. While their off-season trades haven’t improved their defensive security, they do have a lot of depth when it comes to forward play, which will make them a difficult opponent all season.
Unlike their opponents, the Galaxy are not facing the demands of continental football, and at full strength, they can take advantage of a weakened Sounders line-up here.
Given the Sounders’ lack of offensive edge and tenacious defence, I anticipate this game to be a low scoring affair, and given that all four games between these clubs so far this season have finished in 1-0 scorelines, Under seems to be the best option in the Over/Under 2.5 goals market.
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