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El Trafico is back!
Often billed as one of the most exciting rivalries in MLS — and perhaps even the most exciting — the crosstown derby between LAFC and the LA Galaxy is one that shouldn’t be missed.
That said, heading into the weekend, both teams are in poor form.
While the Galaxy are coming off two consecutive 2-1 losses, LAFC are winless in their last six matches.
Keeping in mind that each side might be missing some key players, it’s tempting to think that we could be in for a thrilling but low-scoring game here.
LAFC are in worse shape than the Galaxy, but they’ll also have a small boost when you consider that they’ll be hosts.
Either way, it’s going to be a close one.
LAFC vs LA Galaxy Information | |
Teams | LAFC vs LA Galaxy |
Location | Banc of California (Los Angeles, California) |
Time | Saturday, August 28th at 4:00pm PT/7:00pm ET |
How to Watch | Fox, Fox Deportes |
Welcome to the 2nd El Trafico of 2021!
Last time these two met, the Galaxy claimed a narrow 2-1 win at home in May.
Since then, the Galaxy have become an inconsistent side that have drifted in and out with a long list of wins and losses.
As for LAFC, they too have been inconsistent before falling apart in recent weeks with two draws and five losses in their last seven.
It’s a tough time for LAFC, especially with Carlos Vela sustaining an injury in their latest match, but the silver lining is that the Galaxy might be missing their top attacker as well.
Things can change ahead of the game, but at time of writing earlier in the week, there are no guarantees that LAFC’s Vela or the Galaxy’s Javier Hernandez will be fully fit.
On Wednesday, both players were unable to play in the MLS vs Liga MX All-Star game due to injury.
And even if they’re cleared and ready for Saturday, they might not be at 100% either.
Without them, or as potential subs, a significant amount of firepower will be absent in El Trafico.
But why not the Galaxy? If Hernandez isn’t available, they do have plenty of alternates that have done enough to at least keep them in the playoff conversation — unlike LAFC.
The thing is, there’s something to be said about LAFC’s home-field advantage.
In the five times that LAFC have hosted El Trafico, they’ve managed two ties, two wins and just one defeat.
Their recent form doesn’t make them look like potential winners, but at least at home, they’ll make this a tight contest that should end in a draw.
The good news for LAFC is that the Galaxy’s backline has been average at best this season.
Heading into the weekend, only the Portland Timbers have allowed more goals than the Galaxy in the Western Conference.
Outside of home, they’ve also allowed a total of 10 goals in just their last six away games.
In the end, if LAFC do give up a chance against a Galaxy side that have been slightly better than them in recent weeks, they should still have plenty of opportunities to equalize the scoreline.
Beginner friendly
Fantastic odds
Bet $20 Win $200 in Free Bets
21+ CO, VA, MI Only | Terms and conditions apply
Bet $20 Win $200 in Free Bets
21+ CO, VA, MI Only | Terms and conditions apply
Freelance writer Cesar Hernandez is a specialist in all things American and Mexican soccer. He has written for ESPN FC, The Athletic, The Guardian, FourFourTwo, VICE Sports and several other publications. Along with writing and previous radio appearances on the BBC, talkSPORT and SiriusXM FC, Cesar is also a member of the Mexican Soccer Show podcast. Email: [email protected]
More info on Cesar Hernandez
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