New York City vs LA Galaxy Predictions & Betting Tips, Match Previews

New York City have improved in leaps and bounds this season after their debut season last year saw them miss out on the MLS playoffs. They finished 8th in the MLS Eastern Conference last term with 37 points from their 34 games, but with nine games remaining they have already surpassed that points total and sit on 38 points.

This is enough to leave them at the top of the Eastern Conference, a point clear of Toronto FC, but with the second place side having a game in hand. Montreal Impact have two games in hand and are only five points adrift as well, so they have some work to do if they are to hold on to the top spot in the table.

However, the Eastern Conference as a whole has under-performed this season when compared to the Western Conference, and even if they do top the table they aren’t likely to win the Supporters Shield. They are seven points adrift of Western Conference leaders FC Dallas and are also behind both Colorado Rapids and LA Galaxy in the Western Conference, both of whom have two games in hand.

This is largely down to a very poor start to the season which saw them win just one of their opening eight games. They have since endured another five match winless streak, but generally they have been a much improved side. New York City come into this game having won six, drawn two, and lost two of their last ten MLS matches.

LA Galaxy aren’t doing too badly themselves. They occupy 3rd spot in the Western Conference, four points adrift of Colorado Rapids in 2nd and seven behind FC Dallas but with two games in hand on the leaders.

They have struggled for wins over the past few weeks though. They drew two games in a row before their US Open Cup sem- final defeat to FC Dallas after extra time. They followed this with a 1-1 draw at home to title challengers Colorado Rapids to make it four games without a win for them. They are unbeaten in nine MLS matches though.

The hosts are looking pretty good at the minute and have a habit of taking part in high scoring matches at home. They have won three on the bounce at home and seen at least three goals in six of their last seven at the Yankee Stadium. A total of 34 goals have been scored in these seven matches, so I think odds of 4/5 for Over 2.5 Goals on Saturday are excellent value. With both teams proving very hard to beat at the moment I’m going for a 2-2 correct score prediction at 11/1 as well.