LA Galaxy vs. New York Red Bulls Prediction, Preview and Odds-4/25/21
LA Galaxy FC vs. New York Red Bulls
The Round 2 of the new MLS season is ahead this weekend, and we have the classic west coast versus east coast rivalry matchup between the home team LA Galaxy and the visiting side New York Red Bulls. The game starts at 5:30 PM EST at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.
Greg Vanney looks to continue winning start with LA Galaxy
LA Galaxy, following on from their previous result, will be hoping for more of the same after the 3-2 victory against Inter Miami in their MLS season opener. Former Toronto boss Greg Vanney saw his new Galaxy side come from behind twice to win the game in Florida and that should do them the world of confidence at the start of the campaign. In that match, LA Galaxy had 66% possession and six shots at goal with five on target, while the goalscorers were Hernández (62', 73') and Kljestan (81').
The Galactics lost only four regular-season MLS matches in 2020. For the upcoming matchup, nearly everyone is up for selection, with just one fitness concern for the LA Galaxy manager to contend. Danilo Acosta (Cruciate Ligament Rupture) is out of contention.
New York Red Bulls aims to bounce back from Round 1 loss
Since a losing effort in their last game against Sporting Kansas City in MLS Week 1, New York Red Bulls and their fans will hope to get a better result this time. In that match, The Metros had 50% possession and 12 shots on goal, with three of them on target. The only player on the scoresheet for New York Red Bulls was Clark (48').
The Big Apple side finished their 2020 season with only three wins in their final ten matches (including the playoffs), and they were not the most reliable club on their travels either, finishing with a 4-4-5 away record in MLS last year. Thanks to a fully healthy squad available for selection, New York Red Bulls boss Gerhard Struber has no fitness worries whatsoever coming into this match.
The Side Prediction
There have been 14 games recorded between the two teams in the past, out of which LA Galaxy has won five. New York Red Bulls has been victorious on six occasions while the rest of the two matches were draws.
Javier Hernandez Chicharito impressed in the season opener. The Mexico international scored a brace against Inter Miami, and, no doubt, he is going to cause problems for the Metros' defenders. This Galaxy team has goals in them, while New York Red Bulls has won just 1 of their last six away matches in MLS. With that in mind, I will side with Galaxy under the leadership of experienced Vanney and in good spirits after their opening weekend triumph.
The Pick: LA Galaxy to win (+125)
The Total Prediction
The Galactics have failed to prevent opponents from scoring in six games in a row, letting in 14 goals on the way. New York Red Bulls has scored at least one goal in each of their last 13 MLS games and the Metros have seen over 2.5 goals in their previous four matchups. The last three meetings between these teams have featured a total of 14 goals. There will be goals on both sides here.