While it’s still early in the 2023 MLS campaign, Saturday afternoon brings an intriguing clash between two sides who are always in the mix at the top of the Western Conference table. The Seattle Sounders will play host to reigning champions LAFC at Lumen Field, with kick-off scheduled for 4 PM ET. Seattle is coming off a slim 1-0 defeat to FC Cincinnati last weekend on the road, dropping them to 2-0-1. Los Angeles meanwhile throttled the New England Revolution by a score of 4-0. Keep reading for the Sounders vs LAFC picks.
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There’s no clear favorite here, but Seattle has slightly better odds with a +120 moneyline at Bovada online sportsbook. LA sits at +215. The MLS Cup holders are unbeaten in their last three meetings with the Sounders, winning once and settling for a draw in 2022. In fact, they’ve only tasted defeat once in the previous six games against their West rivals.
After an underwhelming season in 22′ where they missed out on the playoffs, the Sounders will be motivated as ever to bounce back this term and make their claim as one of the best clubs in the league again. That quest began on a positive note, running riot on Colorado in a 4-0 win on matchday one before beating Real Salt Lake earlier this month by two goals. However, Seattle’s attack was rather quiet on matchday three in Cincinnati, losing 1-0. The visitors had no shortage of chances with 12 shots, but just one found the target. Brenner ultimately buried a winner for the hosts, the first goal that keeper Stefan Frei has conceded thus far. On a more positive note, the Sounders’ two victories this term both came on home soil at Lumen Field, and another three points Saturday against a difficult opponent could take them to the top of the standings. While it’s early, there is no shortage of motivation to find a result here.
There is definitely a target on LAFC’s back following their phenomenal season in 2022, where Steve Cherundolo’s men were flying high for months, not only winning the title but also capturing the Supporter’s Shield. The Black and Gold haven’t disappointed through two games either, scoring seven goals and conceding just twice. The campaign began with a thrilling 3-2 win at home against a gritty Portland Timbers outfit before destroying the Revolution last Sunday. Striker Denis Bouanga played hero in this fixture, putting LA up early from the spot before completing the brace 22 minutes into the second half. Timothy Tillman and Stipe Biuk also found the back of the net. Saturday marks their first match on the road, and LAFC must be prepared for a hostile environment in Seattle. Also, the title-holders are through to the quarterfinals of the CONCACAF Champions League, beating Liga Deportiva Alajuelense 4-2 across two legs. Needless to say, Los Angeles is in very good form.
LA has obviously had the upper hand in recent memory, but Seattle is very solid on home turf. To me, the value lies in a draw. Expect no shortage of goals as these foes each take away a lone point.
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