The final regular season edition of El Trafico will go a long way in deciding the fate of two West Coast rivals as the LA Galaxy host LAFC in Carson on Saturday.
This legendary Los Angeles rivalry has a short but explosive history, with both teams producing thriller after thriller that sees bragging rights change hands regularly. LAFC emerged victorious in both encounters this season, winning their home game and the neutral Rose Bowl game both by a score of 2-1, leveling the rivalry at nine wins apiece.
But this time, there’s more than just bragging rights at stake. The LA Galaxy lead the Western Conference by four points over LAFC, but the latter has a two-game lead, meaning it controls its destiny in the title race. Inter Miami is well ahead in the Supporters’ Shield, but can still theoretically be caught.
Neither team goes into this game in great form, with both clubs having won just one of their three league games since the end of the Leagues Cup break.
LA Galaxy vs LAFC Live Stream, TV Channel
This MLS rivalry match between the LA Galaxy and LAFC will be available exclusively on Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass, intended for viewing by subscribers only.
With the final stretch in sight, MLS Season Pass on Apple TV is now offering its lowest price of the seasonFans can purchase an MLS Season Pass subscription for just $9.99 to watch the remainder of the 2024 season, including the MLS Cup Playoffs. Existing Apple TV+ subscribers can purchase an MLS Season Pass subscription for free for the remainder of the 2024 season and the playoffs.
What time is the kickoff for the LA Galaxy vs LAFC match?
This MLS regular season match will kick off at Dignity Health Sports Park on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. local time in Carson, Calif.
Here’s how this time translates across time zones in North America:
| Date | Kick-off time | |
| Eastern Time | Sat. 14 Sept. | 10:30 p.m. |
| Central Time | Sat. 14 Sept. | 9:30 p.m. |
| Mountain Time | Sat. 14 Sept. | 8:30 p.m. |
| Pacific Time | Sat. 14 Sept. | 7:30 p.m. |
LA Galaxy vs LAFC Team Lineups and News
Star striker Joseph Paintsil couldn’t have chosen his yellow card ban better, as he will be suspended for El Trafico after being booked in the 93rd minute last weekend against St. Louis City, meaning Dejan Joveljic will have to be a substitute up front.
Julien Aude And Carlos Garces They are both struggling with short-term muscle injuries, but otherwise the LA Galaxy squad is fully fit and available for selection.
LA Galaxy projected starting lineup (4-2-3-1): McCarthy (GK) — Yamane, Neal, Yoshida, Nelson — Delgado, Brugman — Pec, Puig, Fagundez — Joveljic.
Before Denis Bouanga is back from international duty and should slot into the attack, although head coach Steve Cherundolo will have to make a tough decision about his fitness after playing the full 90 minutes of Gabon’s two AFCON qualifiers.
Mateus Bogusz also returns after making his international debut for Poland, giving LAFC back their two missing pieces of the three-headed attacking monster, alongside Olivier Giroud.
Defenders Jesus Murillo And Lorenzo Dellavalle are both out due to a pair of knee injuries, but otherwise Cherundolo has his full squad to choose from.
LAFC projected starting lineup (4-4-2 diamond): Lloris (GK) — Palencia, Segura, Long, Hollingshead — Sanchez — T. Tillman, Atuesta — Bogusz — Bouanga, Giroud.
LA Galaxy vs LAFC Prediction, Odds and Tips
- Score prediction: Los Angeles Galaxy 1-2 LAFC
LAFC has dominated this series in recent years, winning each of the last three meetings and six of the last eight. The LA Galaxy are better than they have been in recent seasons, but that hasn’t helped so far.
With the hosts without their best goal threat, Joseph Paintsil, suspended, Dejan Joveljic will have to step in. LAFC should be able to see this game out, even on the road, and take a commanding position in the Western Conference title race.
| BetMGM (USA) |
|
| LA Galaxy Victory | +140 |
| Draw | +275 |
| LAFC Victory | +150 |
| Both teams mark |
Y: -250 N: +165 |
| More / Less 3.5 goals |
O: +105 U: -150 |
| Los Angeles Galaxy -0.5 goals |
+135 |
| FC LA +0.5 goals |
-190 |
