Los Angeles FC vs. New York City FC – MLS, May 29, 2021

We have a tasty MLS cross-conference clash to look forward to this weekend, with Los Angeles FC hosting New York City at Banc of California Stadium on Saturday, May 29.

Boasting an identical record (2-2-2), both sides will undoubtedly be eager to establish a sense of consistency. But given that both teams have made a high-scoring start to the season, Saturday’s clash is likely to be eventful.

Let’s look at the odds and analyze the teams before settling on an LAFC vs. New York City betting pick.

Although both teams have made an unconvincing start to the campaign, LAFC (1.74) is the bookmakers’ out-and-out favorite to claim all three points this weekend.

New York City (4.35) heads into Saturday’s clash as the clear outsider, but I think the odds for the away win and the draw (3.75) offer plenty of value here.

Before we make an LAFC vs. NYCFC prediction, let’s take a closer look at both sides.

Across the course of the previous campaign, LAFC gained an unwanted reputation as a streaky team. If their recent results are anything to go by, Bob Bradley’s men look set for another unpredictable year.

Things were looking good when the Black & Gold kicked off 2021 with a three-match unbeaten streak. LAFC beat Austin on the opening weekend before sealing respectable draws with Seattle and Houston.

But back-to-back losses and the hands of the Galaxy and the Sounders raised question marks over the team’s credibility.

Bradley’s men dominated possession and clocked up 17 shots against the Rapids, while Diego Rossi scored both goals in the 2-1 win.

The 2020 Golden Boot winner now has three goals in four appearances this year. If Vela can get back to his best, LAFC will be difficult to stop.

NYCFC suffered a shock loss to DC United on the opening weekend. However, the Boys in Blue instantly bounced back with a resurgent run of two wins and two draws.

After seeing off Cincinnati (5-0) and Philadelphia (2-0), Ronny Deila’s men secured back-to-back 1-1 draws with Orlando and Toronto – enhancing their top-seven aspirations in the process.

Despite registering 17 shots last weekend, New York City fell to Columbus. Ismael Tajouri gave the Pigeons the lead in the first half, yet two late free-kicks from Lucas Zelarayan saw the Crew come from behind and snatch the points.

Jesus Medina and Valentin Castellanos will be confident of exploiting LAFC’s questionable backline this weekend, having both bagged four goals in six games this term.

Castellanos also has two assists to his name, meaning only Chicharito has notched up more goal MLS involvements than the Argentine playmaker this year.

In my opinion, the price for the home win is far too low to bother with here. Granted, LAFC has the home-field advantage But let’s face it – Bradley’s men have not been at their best this season.

Purely for the potential profit, I’m backing NYCFC at the huge price of 4.35. With Medina and Castellanos in seemingly unstoppable form, I can see the visitors causing the home side plenty of problems on Saturday.