LA Galaxy vs. LAFC – MLS, May 8, 2021

Buckle up – it’s El Trafico time!

It’s safe to say that Major League Soccer’s LA derby has dished up countless memorable moments since the Black & Gold burst onto the scene in 2018.

In just ten meetings, the Galaxy and LAFC have scored a combined total of 47 goals. Averaging just shy of five goals per game, we are guaranteed more drama when the two rivals clash in Carson this Saturday, May 8.

If you’re here for my LA Galaxy vs. LAFC prediction – keep reading. After discussing the odds and looking at the teams, I will share my El Trafico betting pick.

Given that Bob Bradley’s men have only lost two of their last six meetings with the Galaxy, you can understand why the bookies view LAFC as the favorite to claim the LA bragging rights this weekend.

The Black & Gold is also unbeaten this year, having picked up one win and two draws so far.

But let’s not forget that Greg Vanney’s side currently leads LAFC by one point in the early Western Conference standings. In fact, the Galaxy has already beaten Inter Miami and RBNY this season.

In my eyes, there is value everywhere you look here.

Following a wretched 2020 campaign, the Galaxy appointed Vanney to steady the ship and steer the club in the right direction. In fairness, the former Toronto boss wasted no time in getting down to business.

Vanney’s men twice came from behind to secure a 3-2 victory over the Herons on the opening weekend, handing the new head coach a dream start. A week later, the resurgent Galaxy beat the Red Bulls by the scoreline.

However, the honeymoon period didn’t last long.

The Galaxy’s credentials were tested by Seattle last weekend – and the Sounders clinched an emphatic 3-0 win. Vanney’s men were second best in almost every department, while the Sounders flexed their muscles.

Having bagged five goals across the opening two games, including a hat-trick against the Red Bulls, Javier Hernandez undoubtedly holds the key to the Galaxy’s chances of overcoming their cross-city rivals.

If Chicharito brings his A-game on Saturday, the Galaxy could upset the odds. But if he fails to make an impact, his side will almost certainly struggle to compete.

While Seattle totally outclassed the Galaxy, LAFC held the Western Conference giant to a 1-1 draw in Week 2. On another day, Bradley’s men could have won, given that they dominated large spells of the game.

Having beaten Austin FC 2-0 on the opening weekend, LAFC was held to a disappointing 1-1 draw by Houston last time out. Still, the 2019 Supporters’ Shield winners remain unbeaten this term.

Unfortunately, Carlos Vela is injured again. But the return of Diego Rossi has given the team a huge boost. The 2020 MVP made his first appearance of the season last weekend and looked sharp.

Better still, new signing Corey Baird has hit the ground running – netting two goals in his first three appearances for the club. With Vela on the sidelines, Baird’s contributions are key.

In all honesty, this one could go either way.

The betting sites view LAFC as the favorite, and I agree with their viewpoint. But let’s face it – form invariably goes out the window when the Los Angeles clubs do battle.

Having taken everything into account, I’m going with the draw for my LA Galaxy vs. LAFC betting pick. Both teams have started the season well, so I expect Saturday’s showdown to be a high-scoring thriller.