Fans will be treated to the second-ever MLS Cup Playoff edition of El Trafico as LAFC host LA Galaxy at Banc of California Stadium on Thursday.
These two teams have played to some absolutely bonkers finishes in recent memory, quickly becoming one of the most intense rivalries in the league.
LAFC, as the Supporters' Shield winners, earned a bye in the first round and will be expected to not only win on Thursday but also challenge for the MLS Cup title. Their opponents, meanwhile, grabbed the fourth playoff seed in the Western Conference, finishing just three points above the cut line in a crowded mid-table field. They topped Nashville SC in the opening round 1-0, and look to be a threat on both sides of the ball.
That all means nothing when these two teams match up, however, as chaos usually reigns supreme.
MORE: Why is it called El Trafico? Everything you need to know about LA rivalry
LAFC vs. LA Galaxy live stream, TV channel
- Date: Thursday, October 20
- Time: 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT
- USA TV channels: FS1, Fox Deportes
- USA live stream: fuboTV, Fox Sports site/app
- Canada TV channel: TSN4
- Canada live stream: TSN app, TSN.ca
USA: Thursday's MLS Cup Playoffs conference semifinals matchup between LAFC and LA Galaxy at Banc of California Stadium will be televised across the United States on FS1 and Fox Deportes with both channels available to stream on fuboTV.
Canada: TSN4 will televise the match in Canada.
MORE: Full overview of the 2022 MLS Cup Playoffs, including standings, results, and highlights
LAFC vs. LA Galaxy projected lineups & team news
LAFC is quite healthy coming into the MLS playoffs, using the bye week to rest and recover. Gareth Bale was not a regular player during the latter portion of the season as the team looked lost with him on the field following his arrival. But he should start on the bench.
The biggest question for LAFC head coach Steve Cherundolo is at the back, having rotated center-backs Giorgio Chiellini, Jesus Murillo, and Eddie Segura for most of the second half of the season.
His regular trio of midfielders Kellyn Acosta, Ilie Sanchez, and Jose Cifuentes should all start, with Latif Blessing and Jhegson Mendez first off the bench depending on game situation.
LAFC projected starting lineup (4-3-3): Crepeau (GK) — Palacios, Chiellini, Segura, Hollingshead — Acosta, Sanchez, Cifuentes — Bouanga, Arango, Vela.
Run it back. 🔁#ForLosAngeles pic.twitter.com/hIXBY7A9Ik
— LAFC (@LAFC) October 19, 2022
The Galaxy are also mostly healthy, missing just Jorge Villafana, who's been out all season with an ACL tear.
The acquisition of Riqui Puig has been a complete home run, and he's a lock to remain in the starting lineup. His arrival coincides with the late-season explosion from Chicharito Hernandez, who has 11 goals in his last 13 games.
The Galaxy's 21-year-old Julian Araujo leads the team in minutes this season and was spectacular in the playoff win over Nashville. Winger Kevin Cabral has seen starts of late, and could be an option if a change is made, but will more likely see time off the bench.
LA Galaxy projected starting lineup (4-3-3): Bond (GK) — Edwards, Caceres, Coulibaly, Araujo — Puig, Brugman, Delgado — Grandsir, Chicharito, Costa.
Our midfield magician @RiquiPuig 🔥
— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) October 18, 2022
The @Herbalife Heat Map 🗺 pic.twitter.com/W9LnZVl4Q8
LAFC vs. LA Galaxy betting odds, pick & prediction
Odds via Caesars (USA), Sports Interaction (Canada), & SkyBet (UK).
LAFC, as the Supporters' Shield winners, are heavy favorites at home against their local rivals.
The wild history of this rivalry also plays into the odds, as the line is skewed heavily towards goals, and lots of them. Both teams to score is a massive favorite, while the total is up to 3.5.
Home teams have dominated in this series (just one road win across 14 all-time meetings), but there's an opportunity for the visitors to shock the home fans at Banc of California Stadium. The Galaxy are in great form, helped by the arrival of Riqui Puig, while LAFC are trending in the other direction: LAFC went 3W-5L-1D to end the regular season compared to the Galaxy's 4W-1L-4D in their last nine overall.
There's a real chance for an upset in this match.
- Pick: LA Galaxy to win (+340 on Caesars)
- Prediction: LAFC 1-3 LA Galaxy
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| Caesars | Sports Interaction | |
|---|---|---|
| LAFC win | -140 | 1.71 |
| Draw | +300 | 4.01 |
| LA Galaxy win | +340 | 4.16 |
| Both teams to score Y / N | -175 / +135 | 1.48 / 2.30 |
| Over / Under 3.5 goals | +140 / -170 | 2.24 / 1.63 |
| LAFC -0.5 | -145 | 1.71 |
| LA Galaxy +0.5 | +115 | 2.11 |
