LA Galaxy v Philadelphia Union: The Galaxy to secure much-needed win
Out-of-sorts Californians can pick up a crucial three points in this cross-conference clash
Neither LA Galaxy nor Philadelphia Union are setting the MLS alight this season but it is the Galaxy that should have the edge when the sides meet at the StubHub Center on Saturday evening.
Bruce Arena’s men have not won in their last three, causing them to slip to sixth in the Western Conference. However, they remain a pretty sturdy prospect on their own turf; only losing once in LA all season.
The Union are similarly inconsistent, with three wins and four defeats in their last seven. They have lost more games than any other side in the Eastern Conference despite sitting in seventh place.
Philadelphia have actually been a touch more impressive than usual in recent weeks but losing at home to New York City FC last time out was a shocking result. They are sitting on the verge of a play-off place but that result will have rocked their confidence badly and it could well cause a downward spiral from here on in.
As the Galaxy have only lost once at home, the Union have only picked up three points on their travels once this campaign. Whilst there is little between these teams in terms of form and performance this season, home advantage could well be key.
The home side will be sweating on the fitness of Jose Villarreal and top scorer Alan Gordon who has been impressive in the absence of Robbie Keane through injury and international action. If Gordon and Keane can both be involved then the Galaxy will be a much more serious threat.
Philadelphia are missing Michael Lahoud and could well be without Conor Casey and Fernando Aristeguita which would be a severe loss for Jim Curtin.
LA’s last two victories have been 1-0 in front of their own fans, we can expect something similar to occur this weekend. Philadelphia are not regularly much of a threat going forward on their travels and a low-scoring home win looks most likely.
Whilst the Galaxy are odds-on to win the game, they are a much more tempting price of 23/20 to pick up the victory are less than 3.5 goals to be scored.
