Los Angeles FC vs. Colorado Rapids – MLS, May 22, 2021

Few would have predicted that LAFC would be rock bottom of the Western Conference as we head into Week 6 of the 2021 MLS season. But having picked up just a single win in their opening five matches, that is exactly where Bob Bradley’s men find themselves.

At the other end of the standings, the Rapids are sitting pretty in fourth place. They have won each of their previous three games and will be confident of heaping more misery on struggling LAFC.

The two sides meet at Banc of California Stadium on Saturday, May 22. In this betting preview, I discuss the odds, analyze the teams, and finish by sharing my Los Angeles FC vs. Colorado Rapids prediction and pick.

We all know that LAFC is struggling at the moment, while Colorado is enjoying a promising run. But let’s not forget that LAFC is the bookmakers’ 2021 MLS Cup favorite for a reason.

Based solely on recent form, the juicy price for the away win looks extremely tempting here. Still, we need to take a closer look at both sides before settling on an LAFC vs. Colorado Rapids pick.

It feels as though LAFC’s chances of dominating the Western Conference and battling for the Supporters’ Shield are already over this year.

Of course, it is still early days; there is still a long way to go this season. But Bradley’s men already find themselves 11 points behind the Sounders, and it is difficult to imagine Seattle dropping that many points between now and the end of the season.

The good news for the Black & Gold is that they have already faced Seattle twice this year.

Bradley’s men beat Austin FC in Week 1 but have only managed to register two draws and two losses since then. They have also netted just five goals this season, making them the joint-lowest scorers in the West.

Thankfully, Carlos Vela returned from injury in last weekend’s 2-0 loss to Seattle. After coming off the bench last time out, Vela should be restored to the starting XI on Saturday.

The Rapids made an uninspiring start to 2021, claiming just one point from their opening two games. But since then, they have not stopped winning.

Robin Fraser’s men turned a corner with a 1-0 victory over Vancouver in Week 3 before coming from 2-0 down to secure a remarkable 3-2 win against Minnesota. Last time out, they sealed an easy 3-1 victory over H1 victory over Houston.

Rubio and Bassett have both netted twice this year. With four of their teammates also getting on the scoresheet, the Rapids seem to have discovered a cutting edge in attack.

Better still, goalkeeper William Yarbrough has already kept two clean sheets in 2021. Only two teams in the West have conceded fewer goals than Colorado.

On paper, LAFC should beat Colorado. However, there is no hiding from the fact that Bradley’s men have failed to find their best form this season.

Colorado has claimed three straight victories and heads to California on a massive high. The price for the home is far too low to bother with here, so I’m backing the Rapids to exploit LAFC’s bad situation and extend their winning streak to four games.

Given that Colorado is in such good form, odds of 4.90 for the away win seems too good to miss.