Los Angeles FC vs. FC Dallas – MLS, June 23, 2021

Let’s face it – neither LAFC nor FC Dallas are where they want to be right now.

Carrying a record of 2-3-3 into Week 9, Bob Bradley’s men sit ninth in the Western Conference – 12 points behind first-place Seattle.

Unfortunately, the situation for Dallas (1-4-3) is even worse. The Texans find themselves rock bottom of the standings, although they only trail LAFC by two points.

The fellow strugglers meet for a midweek MLS clash at Banc of California Stadium this Wednesday, June 23. In this LAFC vs. FC Dallas betting preview, I assess the odds before providing my prediction and pick.

As you can see, LAFC (1.40) is the overwhelming favorite to win this one. The Black & Gold may not have made the best start to 2021, but they have more than enough quality to dispatch Dallas (7.25).

When you consider LAFC’s recent run of iffy results, the odds for both the draw (4.70) and away win are tempting. That said, it is difficult to ignore how poorly the Toros have performed this season.

Bradley’s men kicked off their campaign by piecing together a three-match unbeaten streak, overcoming Austin before drawing with Seattle and Houston. But a damaging run of three losses in four games quickly put an end to the team’s promising start.

Following defeats to LA Galaxy and the Sounders, LAFC managed to beat Colorado. However, they swiftly returned to losing ways – going down 2-1 to New York City.

The Californians were held to a 1-1 draw by the Dynamo on Saturday, although they should have claimed all three points. Despite enjoying 65% possession and chalking up 15 shots, Jose Cifuentes scored LAFC’s only goal of the game.

The 2019 MVP has failed to find the back of the net this year, so he will be eager to open his account on Wednesday.

Thankfully, Corey Baird and Diego Rossi have kept things ticking over in attack. Baird has bagged three goals and two assists since moving from Real Salt Lake, while Rossi has contributed three goals in six appearances this season.

Dallas’ sole victory of 2021 came almost two months ago, with the Toros registering a shock 4-1 thrashing of Portland. But since then, they have recorded three draws and two defeats.

Granted, Luchi Gonzalez’s men haven’t suffered any thrashings of their own this year. However, a lack of cutting edge in attack has prevented them from turning draws into wins.

Jader Obrian (two goals, one assist) has tried his best to ignite a revival, while 18-year-old Ricardo Pepi has also bagged a couple of goals. But that duo aside, Gonzalez’s team has struggled for consistency this season.

Although Bradley’s men have yet to discover their best form this term, they shouldn’t hit any major stumbling blocks when it comes to getting the better of Dallas.

At the end of the day, the Texans have been nothing short of dreadful this year. Not only have they struggled for goals, but they have also failed to keep the ball out of their own net.

The price for the home win doesn’t exactly get me excited, so I recommend dipping into the goal-based markets for this clash. In my eyes, the under 2.5 goals option offers great value.

Five of LAFC’s eight games this year have produced under 2.5 goals, while half of Dallas’ matches have dished up less than three goals. Odds of 2.55 seem too good to miss, right?