LAFC vs Seattle Sounders Odds & Prediction – Oct 26

• Los Angeles FC hosts Seattle Sounders in a key MLS Western Conference clash on Tuesday, October 26th
• While Seattle holds the top seed in the West, LAFC is currently ninth and outside playoff spots
• Read on for betting odds, a full preview and the best bet for this MLS Matchday 33 clash

Two of the best teams in MLS in recent seasons lock horns Tuesday evening at the Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles in MLS Week 33. The first-place Seattle Sounders can take another step towards locking up home-field advantage throughout the Western Conference playoffs with a win here.

Los Angeles FC meanwhile, is still fighting for its postseason life, and a win here would help it stay in touch with seventh-place Vancouver, currently three points ahead and occupying the final playoff spot in the conference.

LAFC vs Seattle Sounders Odds

Odds as of October 25th at DraftKings

Seattle Riding High

Already three points clear at the top of the conference standings, Seattle is currently on a three-game unbeaten streak against LAFC, having registered a 1-1 draw on its last trip to the Banc of California Stadium in the season’s second game, followed by a 2-0 win at home win in May. Those matches followed on from the 3-1 win Seattle registered against LAFC in the playoffs last year.

However, these two teams are as even as can be over the course of the rivalry that emerged ever since LAFC played its first MLS season in 2018. Since that time, Seattle has won five, Los Angeles has won five, and there has been two draws.

Sounders Silenced Of Late

Despite their lofty perch, Seattle has hardly been playing like the No. 1 seed in the conference in recent games, going winless in their last three. That run most recently included losing a six-pointer against second-placed Sporting Kansas City by a 2-1 scoreline on Sunday.

And Seattle’s quest to get back in the win column will be that much harder without suspended midfield linchpin Joao Paulo, while leading scorer Raul Ruidiaz is still recovering from a leg injury and is not likely to be fit in time for this match. However, head coach Brian Schmetzer said that star midfielder Nicolas Lodeiro, who has been out most of the year, may even make the trip and could provide an offensive boost.

"He might be a little stretch for tomorrow but certainly #LAGalaxy , #VWFC ", was part of what Brian Schmetzer said on Raúl Ruidíaz being back at training. Sounds like the Peruvian goleador will be back soon and the #Sounders head coach also seemed optimistic on Jordan and Nico pic.twitter.com/QEvTEmAVWi

— Niko Moreno (@ELROLONW) October 25, 2021

Fortress LAFC

Though Bob Bradley’s team may have lost players such as 2020 Golden Boot winner Diego Rossi, midfield lynchpin Mark-Anthony Kaye and Carlos Vela, who has been out injured since August, the team still has its home record to fall back upon.

Banc of California Stadium has proved a virtually impregnable fortress during LAFC’s four seasons in MLS, with the team losing just seven home matches, winning 36 and drawing 17. So while the team may be some way off the record-setting squad of a couple of years ago, it is always tough to beat and has lost just three matches at home in the current campaign.

LAFC vs Seattle Sounders 2021 Stats

In Arango They Trust

The departure of Rossi and the serious injury to Vela seemed to stick a fork in LAFC’s season, but Cristian Arango had other ideas. Since making his first MLS start back on August 8, the Colombian striker has scored 12 goals in 14 games, the second-best start to an MLS career, behind only the 13 goals in 14 games by Tampa Bay’s Mamadou Diallo in 2000.

🎩 6th Hat Trick in #LAFC History
👟 2nd most goals through a player’s first 14 @MLS matches

✌️😜 @Chichoarango is just getting started. pic.twitter.com/LUBgQKziNl

— LAFC (@LAFC) October 25, 2021

Better still for Los Angeles, he’s currently in the hottest streak of his debut season, having struck six goals in his past three games, including his first MLS hat trick away at FC Dallas last week.

Injury updates for @LAFC: Bob Bradley says Carlos Vela trained today and continues to make progress, could see some minutes (off the bench) on Tuesday vs Seattle. Eduard Atuesta recovering at a slower pace, unlikely for Tuesday. José Cifuentes OUT.

— Delmy Barillas (@DelmyBarillas) October 25, 2021

And LAFC’s attack may get another shot in the arm for this game with the possible availability of Vela, who coach Bradley said may be available off the bench for this game.

Best bet: Draw (+290)