Pick and Prediction for LAFC vs. Seattle Sounders (MLS) – Friday, July 29, 2022

The Seattle Sounders will aim to close the 16-point gap to high-flying Los Angeles FC when they visit Banc of California Stadium on Friday, July 29.

Having racked up five wins across the past six games, LAFC remains on course to clinch the Supporters’ Shield. As for the Sounders, their main aim is to cement a top-seven berth and secure a spot in the playoffs.

Keep reading to discover my LAFC vs. Seattle Sounders prediction and betting pick. First of all, let’s take a look at the latest odds for Friday’s showdown.

The LAFC vs. Seattle Sounders odds are courtesy of BetOnline. As you can see, BetOnline views LAFC as the out-and-out favorite – leaving Seattle as the clear underdog.

If you want to take on the handicaps, you can get LAFC (-1) at +140 and Seattle (+1) at +140. Given the current gulf between the teams, it could be a good idea to steer clear of the moneylines to find the greatest value.

Before we get to my LAFC vs. Seattle Sounders prediction, let’s assess the head-to-head record.

These two sides have faced each other 14 times since Los Angeles FC joined Major League Soccer in 2018. As it stands, LAFC has the upper hand. But the head-to-head record is relatively even.

The teams met in Seattle last month, playing out a 1-1 draw at Lumen Field. Consequently, the Californians are on a two-game unbeaten streak in this fixture. They have also lost just two of the previous six meetings.

It’s time to analyze both sides.

Last weekend, Steve Cherundolo’s men extended their winning streak to three games with a 2-0 victory over Sporting Kansas City. Cristian Arango opened the scoring before Gareth Bale netted his first goal for the club.

Not only have the Californians won each of the last three games, but they have also won five of their previous six. When you look at the bigger picture, they have claimed seven victories across their past nine outings.

In addition to boasting the best defensive record in the West (22), LAFC has the second-best offensive record (42). Needless to say, Cherundolo’s side is seriously strong at both ends of the field.

Cristian Arango (9 goals, 3 assists), Carlos Vela (6 goals, 8 assists), and Jose Cifuentes (6 goals, 4 assists) have been the stars of the show so far. Something tells me that Gareth Bale will join that group in the coming months.

Of course, the Sounders can upset the MLS odds. But given the 16-point gap between them and LAFC, they won’t find life easy on Friday.

Brian Schmetzer’s boys have lost ten of their 21 games this year, picking up nine wins and two draws along the way. Not only have they suffered six defeats more than LAFC, but they have also registered five fewer victories.

Granted, the two-time MLS Cup champions returned to winning ways with a 2-1 victory over the Colorado Rapids last time out. But there is no hiding the fact that they have lost four of their past six encounters.

It is also worth noting that Schmetzer’s boys are among the lowest scorers in the West. In fact, only three sides have netted fewer goals than Seattle this season.

It wouldn’t be unfair to say that LAFC has outperformed Seattle in every department this year. The Californians have scored goals for fun all season, while the Sounders have struggled to find the back of the net.

Sure, Schmetzer’s boys held LAFC to a 1-1 draw last month. But they have suffered four defeats in seven outings since then. I can’t see the Californians dropping any points this time around, especially with the home-field advantage on their side.

I expect Seattle to give Cherundolo’s men a run for their money, but I’m confident that LAFC will come out on top. At the end of the day, LAFC is on a different level to Seattle right now.

LAFC is priced at just -185 to beat Seattle. In order to boost the odds to +140, I recommend backing LAFC to win by two clear goals. After all, the Californians have scored 42 goals in 21 games this year – meaning they average two goals per game.

Whether you want to follow my LAFC vs. Seattle Sounders pick, or you want to place your own wager, be sure to use only the best Major League Soccer betting sites.