LA Galaxy vs Chicago Fire Predictions

LA Galaxy narrowly missed out on the Play-Offs last season, but it will have really hurt to see local rivals LAFC finish above them in their first season in the MLS. A poor pre-season suggests LA Galaxy might once again fail to live up to the billing this time around, but the Hollywood club will be looking to get off to a winning start against Chicago Fire. The visitors finished second from bottom in the Eastern Conference, but will be hoping that four money signings will see them challenge for a top six finish this year.

LA Galaxy failed to win any of their pre-season games, culminating in a 3-1 defeat at home to Colorado Rapids. Galaxy did manage to draw three of their four friendlies though and that will give them hope that their defence has improved in 2019. Chicago Fire didn’t lose any of their four pre-season games, finishing with a 1-0 win over Charleston Battery. Chicago’s two friendlies against MLS sides both finished in 1-1 draws and their performance last season suggests they will struggle to beat LA Galaxy away from home.

Going by the recent head to head record between LA Galaxy and Chicago Fire and their results during pre-season we’re expecting both teams to score on Sunday and can see the game ending in a draw. Both teams have scored in three of the last five meetings between these two clubs, and three of their last five encounters ended in stalemates. Both teams have scored in four of LA Galaxy’s and three of Chicago Fire’s last six matches, which is why we believe there will be goals in this game for both teams. With each team drawing three of their last six matches we’re leaning towards a stalemate on Sunday, especially as the pair struggled to score goals in pre-season.

Goalkeeper Matt Lampson joins LA Galaxy from Minnesota United, while Michaël Ciani and Ashley Cole have left the club. Polish winger Przemyslaw Frankowski has signed for Chicago Fire along with Sporting CP defender Marcelo, while full-back Rafael Ramos has moved to Twente. We’re confident that both teams will score on Sunday and have backed the game to end in a 1-1 draw. LA Galaxy have looked poor in pre-season, but both teams have draw three of their last six matches. Three of the last five encounters between the pair have also ended in stalemate and on each occasion both teams have scored.