Atlanta United vs LA Galaxy Predictions

Two of the MLS’s hottest strikers prepare to face-off this weekend when Josef Martinez’s Atlanta United play host to Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s LA Galaxy. Both teams are looking to recover from defeats last time out and with just a point between the pair so far this season we’re expecting a close and competitive ninety minutes on Saturday.

Despite taking the lead in the second minute through Adams, Atlanta United were defeated 4-3 on their trip to California where they faced in-form LAFC. The hosts responded with four first-half goals to take a 4-1 lead but Martinez pulled a goal back in stoppage time to make the halftime scoreline 4-2. An early second-half own goal from Segura made it 4-3 and set up a nervy end to the match for the hosts, but ALFC held on to secure all three points. LA Galaxy were thrashed 4-0 away at Portland Timbers last time out and ended the game with nine-men on the pitch after the late sending-off of Polenta and Alvarez, for what was a truly disappointing performance by the Californians.

The limited head to head record between thee two clubs and the form and performances of both teams heading into Saturday’s match suggest that Atlanta United are likely to win and keep a clean sheet against LA Galaxy. Atlanta United have won their two competitive matches against LA Galaxy and each of those victories were accompanied by clean sheets. Atlanta United have won three of their last five matches, while LA Galaxy have lost three of their last six in league and cup. Atlanta United have kept three cleans sheets in their last five matches and LA Galaxy have failed to score in each of their last three away games, which is why we’re backing a 2-0 win for the hosts this weekend.

Martínez leads the way for Atlanta United with seventeen MLS goals this season, while veteran forward Ibrahimovic has netted sixteen league goals for LA Galaxy. We’re confident that Atlanta United will win to nil on Saturday and have predicted a final scoreline of 2-0. Atlanta United have won and kept clean sheets in both of their  previous competitive matches against LA Galaxy and the hosts head into this weekend’s latest encounter as the form favourites and with a good record of clean sheets in their last five matches.