LA Galaxy vs. Seattle Sounders – MLS, June 19, 2021

When the Galaxy visited Washington at the beginning of May, the Sounders claimed an emphatic 3-0 victory. There was a sense that Greg Vanney’s side would compete with Seattle, but that theory didn’t come to fruition.

Vanney’s men have the chance to get their revenge on Saturday, June 19, as the Sounders visit California for the reverse fixture. But can the Galaxy end Seattle’s eight-game unbeaten streak this weekend?

After looking into the betting odds and assessing both sides, I will provide my LA Galaxy vs. Seattle Sounders prediction and pick – so keep reading!

There are very few MLS teams that head into an away match as the bookmakers’ favorite. However, Seattle is one of them. The Sounders have yet to taste defeat in 2021, picking up five wins and three draws in the process.

With a game in hand over Seattle, the Galaxy find themselves just three points behind the Western Conference leaders. Still, the bookies view the home side as the underdog here.

Before we make a final prediction for LA Galaxy vs. Seattle Sounders, we need to take a closer look at the teams.

Boasting a record of 5-0-2, there is absolutely no denying that Vanney has transformed the Galaxy’s fortunes.

The Carson club finished third from bottom in the Western Conference last season, picking up just six wins in 22 matches. Fast-forward to today, and the team has already secured five wins in seven games.

Having registered 3-2 wins over both Inter Miami and RBNY, Vanney’s men were crushed 3-0 by the Sounders in their third match of the season. Since then, they have claimed three wins in four games – including a 2-1 El Trafico victory over rivals LAFC.

Javier Hernandez has played a pivotal role in the Galaxy’s resurgence.

However, it is worth pointing out that only three of Hernandez’s teammates have found the back of the net this season. Thus, the Galaxy’s overreliance on “Chicharito” is a slight cause for concern.

When the Galaxy traveled to Lumen Field last month, the Sounders showed everyone exactly why they are viewed as the strongest team in the West.

Not only did Brian Schmetzer’s men rack up 17 shots, but they also registered nine attempts on target. Raul Ruidiaz bagged an impressive brace while Brad Smith completed the route.

Seattle has also beaten Minnesota, Portland, San Jose, and LAFC this term; recording draws with Atlanta and Austin along the way.

Having conceded just three goals this year, the Sounders will be confident of keeping Chicharito quiet.

Let’s not forget that the Sounders have a prolific goalscorer of their own, too. As well as scoring twice against the Galaxy, Ruidiaz netted a double against the Loons and has also notched against Portland and Atlanta in 2021.

The manner with which Seattle dispatched the Galaxy last time around was hugely impressive. So yes, the Galaxy is improving. But the Sounders are on a totally different level to pretty much every other team in the league right now.

You probably won’t be surprised to learn that I’m siding with the betting sites and backing Seattle to claim all three points on Saturday. The away win is my LA Galaxy vs. Seattle Sounders betting pick.