LA Galaxy vs New York City FC Game Preview, Live Stream, Odds, Picks and Predictions

No More Excuses for LA Galaxy

Regarding the MLS, the LA Galaxy could be the equivalent to Real Madrid. You know, the team that usually signs superstars and spends millions on marketing. The problem is that they haven’t won the MLS title since 2014.

Last season, they finished in eighth place in the Western Conference. Both the Galaxy and Real Salt Lake finished with 48 points, but RSL advanced to the postseason due to goal-differential. That’s simply unacceptable for the Galaxy.

The Galaxy allowed 54 goals, one of the worst defensive records in the conference. That’s why they went out and signed Kelvin Leerdam. He has played for the Seattle Sounders and Inter Miami CF.

Offensively, Javier Chicharito Hernandez needs to step up, especially if he wants to play the 2022 World Cup. There’s a lot of competition in the Mexican National Team. Last season, he scored 17 goals, but as I mentioned before, that wasn’t enough.

Playing at home is what makes the Galaxy the slight betting online favorites at +140. Including the preseason, they haven’t lost in their last eight home games. Most recently, they drew 2-2 to DC United.

LA Galaxy projected lineup: Jonathan Bond; Kelvin Leerdam, Sega Coulibaly, Nick DePuy, Raheem Edwards; Rayan Raveloson, Marco Delgado, Samuel Grandsir, Efrain Alvarez; Kevin Cabral, Javier Hernandez.

Recent History Against New York City FC

No MLS team has won back-to-back titles since 2012. That’s New York’s main goal. It won’t be easy. There are three teams ahead of them on the odds board to win the title. Right now, the reigning champs are offering a +1000 price.

Despite getting some big offers, Valentin Castellanos will start the season with the team. Last season, he led the league’s scoring chart with 19 goals. Many believe that he should have won the MVP.

New York City’s biggest advantage has to do with rhythm. They recently faced Santos de Guapiles in a two-game series for the CONCACAF Champions League Round of 16. They won both games, first 2-0 in San Jose, then 4-0 in New York.

The reigning champs brought in Thiago Mendes to reinforce their defensive unit. Head coach Ronny Deila wants an even more balanced team.

Besides the fact that the reigning champs always deserve respect, they haven’t lost in their last eight road games. You should be very tempted to include them in your soccer picks, especially at +190.

New York City FC projected lineup: Sean Johnson; Tayvon Gray, Maxime Chanot, Alexander Callens, Malte Amundsen; Nicolas Acevedo, Alfredo Morales, Thiago Andrade, Maximiliano Moralez, Talles Magno; Valentin Castellanos.

LA Galaxy vs New York City FC Head to Head

• Previous Matches: 6
• LA Galaxy Victories: 2 (9 goals)
• New York City FC Victories: 4 (8 goals)
• Draws: 0

These two met last in 2019. New York City FC won 2-0 with goals from Heber Araujo and Maximiliano Moralez. The Galaxy haven’t defeated NYCFC in an official match since 2015. That game was also in LA and finished 5-1, but I don’t see that history repeating this Sunday.

LA Galaxy vs New York City FC Game Information

• Date: Sunday, February 27
• Time: 5 p.m. ET
• Location: Dignity Health Center, Los Angeles
• LA Galaxy vs New York City FC Live Stream: fuboTV

LA Galaxy vs New York City FC Betting Lines

LA Galaxy vs New York City FC Prediction

I’m not sure the LA Galaxy deserve to control the Las Vegas odds and soccer betting. New York City FC’s title had nothing to do with luck. We’re talking about a well-balanced team, full of confidence and talent. I expect NYCFC to control the game, but that doesn’t mean the LA Galaxy won’t put up a good fight. The home side will have fresher legs, but I don’t think it will be enough to beat the reigning champs.

With Castellanos and Chicharito on the field, there’s no other way to start the season than with a goal-fest. The total will go over in a close, fast-paced match that NYCFC will win.

Score Prediction: New York City FC 3, Los Angeles Galaxy 2

Pick: New York City FC at +190