Los Angeles FC vs. Seattle Sounders – MLS, April 24, 2021

There are plenty of exciting MLS games to look forward to this weekend, but there is no denying that LAFC vs. Seattle is the standout tie of the round.

The two heavyweights clash at Banc of California Stadium on Saturday, April 24, having faced each other no fewer than five times in 2020. However, the Sounders got the last laugh, claiming a 3-1 victory over LAFC in the playoffs.

If you’re betting on Los Angeles FC vs. Seattle Sounders, keep reading to discover my prediction for Saturday’s showdown.

Both sides kicked off the new campaign by claiming comfortable victories last weekend, with LAFC beating Austin and Seattle thrashing Minnesota. Still, the top online sportsbooks are favoring the home side here.

At first glance, the generous price for the away with stands out to me. Before I give my LAFC vs. Seattle Sounders prediction, let’s take a closer look at the teams.

LAFC crushed Seattle 4-1 in the MLS is Back Tournament before the Sounders gained their revenge later in the year. The Black & Gold ended up losing two of their three regular-season games against Seattle last term, with a 3-1 defeat ending their campaign in the first round of the playoffs.

Having chalked up a combined total of 20 goals across their five meetings in 2020, we are likely to see plenty of attacking action on Saturday.

Carlos Vela will almost certainly be at the heart of LAFC’s attacking contributions this weekend, although he was mistakenly subbed off after just 22 minutes last time out. The Mexican goal-machine appeared to be fine after sustaining a knock, yet Bob Bradley decided to remove him.

Still, LAFC eventually managed to get the better of Austin, with Corey Baird and Jose Cifuentes sealing a 2-0 victory over the expansion team.

Bradley’s men struggled for shutouts last term, so keeping a clean sheet on the opening day of the new season can only be a good thing.

Meanwhile, Seattle claimed a hugely dominant 4-0 victory over Minnesota last time out. The Loons may have beaten the Sounders to first place in the Western Conference last year, yet Brian Schmetzer’s men clearly didn’t let that affect them on the opening weekend.

Following a goalless first half, Joao Paulo opened the scoring with an excellent long-range effort. Raul Ruidiaz then added a quick-fire brace before Fredy Montero completed the rout.

Unsurprisingly, Ruidiaz was named to the Week 1 MLS Team of the Week for his troubles. Homegrown 19-year-old Josh Atencio also made it onto the bench, having put in a stellar midfield display.

The two-time MLS Cup champions could barely have dreamed of a better way to start the season, especially as they suffered an agonizing loss in the last season’s showpiece.

If the Sounders can pick up where they left off last time out, they will definitely cause LAFC plenty of problems.

In my eyes, the big price for the away win is far too tasty to ignore here. The Sounders were nothing short of sensational against Minnesota, so there is no reason why they can’t beat LAFC on Saturday.

Bradley’s men didn’t have it all their own way against Austin last weekend. If they aren’t at their best against Seattle, they will be punished.