LA Galaxy vs Minnesota United predictions, betting tips and match preview ahead of this affair in the MLS. After a disappointing defeat, Los Angeles Galaxy face Minnesota United at Dignity Health Sports Park on Sunday. Read on for our free match preview and betting tips.
Major League Soccer | Jul 8, 2024 at 3.30am UK at Dignity Health Sports Park
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LA Galaxy vs Minnesota United Predictions
Can LA Galaxy Capitalise on Minnesota United’s Defensive Woes?
Key Stats
– LA Galaxy have scored 1.9 goals per game this season.
– Minnesota United have conceded 12 goals in their last three matches.
– Dejan Joveljic has netted 12 times for Galaxy this season.
As LA Galaxy prepare to host Minnesota United at Dignity Health Sports Park on Sunday, both teams find themselves in contrasting forms. Galaxy aim to reclaim their position at the top of the MLS Western Conference, while Minnesota are desperate to halt a dismal losing streak.
LA Galaxy’s Resilience at Home
LA Galaxy come into this match following a 2-1 defeat to their city rivals, Los Angeles FC. Despite the disappointment, Greg Vanney’s side remain a formidable force, especially at home. They have won their last four league fixtures at Dignity Health Sports Park and are undefeated at this venue in 2024, having conceded first in only two regular-season games there.
The Galaxy’s home form has been pivotal to their success this season. They have accumulated 40 points so far, surpassing last season’s total by four points with 11 wins, three more than they managed in 2023. Their attacking prowess, led by Dejan Joveljic, who has scored 12 goals this season, has been a key factor in their dominance.
In their most recent home match, a 2-1 victory over Austin, the Galaxy demonstrated their ability to control games and convert chances. This resilience and consistency at home provide a strong foundation as they look to bounce back from their recent derby defeat.
Minnesota United’s Defensive Woes
Minnesota United are in dire straits, having lost their last five matches. Their most recent outing, a 3-1 defeat to Vancouver Whitecaps, highlighted their defensive frailties. Eric Ramsay’s men have conceded 12 goals in their last three games, an alarming statistic that underscores their struggles at the back.
Minnesota’s away form has been particularly troubling. They have lost their last four matches on the road, conceding three or more goals in three of those encounters. This poor run of form has seen them slip to eighth in the Western Conference, just two points above the playoff line.
Despite their recent struggles, Minnesota have shown glimpses of quality, particularly in attack. Bongokuhle Hlongwane has been a standout performer, scoring six goals this season, including strikes in his last two matches. However, their defensive instability continues to undermine their efforts.
Team News and Expected Lineups
LA Galaxy will be without Jonathan Perez, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury, and Gaston Brugman, who is nursing a knee issue. Vanney is likely to make a few changes following the derby defeat, with Diego Fagundez potentially returning to the starting lineup.
LA Galaxy’s Possible Starting XI:
- Goalkeeper: McCarthy
- Defenders: Yamane, Neal, Yoshida, Nelson
- Midfielders: Delgado, Cerrillo
- Forwards: Paintsil, Puig, Pec, Joveljic
Minnesota United have several absentees, including Clint Irwin (groin), Wil Trapp (hamstring), Teemu Pukki (leg), and Hugo Bacharach (knee). Additionally, Dayne St. Clair and Tani Oluwaseyi are unlikely to feature due to international commitments.
Minnesota United’s Possible Starting XI:
- Goalkeeper: Smir
- Defenders: Boxall, Tapias, Padelford
- Midfielders: Taylor, Bran, Dotson, Fragapane
- Forwards: Hlongwane, Lod, Sang-bin
Key Areas and Tactical Battles
The midfield will be a crucial battleground in this fixture. LA Galaxy’s midfield, orchestrated by Riqui Puig, will look to dominate possession and dictate the tempo of the game. Marky Delgado and Cerrillo will provide the necessary defensive cover and ball distribution to link up with the attack.
Minnesota’s midfield, led by Dotson and Bran, must disrupt Galaxy’s rhythm and launch quick transitions. The defensive duo of Boxall and Tapias will have their hands full containing the prolific Dejan Joveljic, while Hlongwane and Lod will need to exploit any gaps left by Galaxy’s attacking full-backs.
Expected Goals and Tactical Analysis
LA Galaxy have averaged 1.9 goals per game, highlighting their attacking efficiency. They also average six shots on target per game, demonstrating their ability to create and convert opportunities. Defensively, they have conceded 1.3 goals per game, indicating a relatively solid backline, especially at home.
Minnesota, on the other hand, have scored 1.6 goals per game but have conceded 1.7, reflecting their defensive vulnerabilities. They average 4.9 shots on target per game, indicating potential in attack but a lack of defensive solidity.
Galaxy are expected to control possession and apply pressure, leveraging their home advantage and attacking depth. Minnesota will likely adopt a more counter-attacking approach, aiming to exploit any defensive lapses from Galaxy.
Improvements Needed for Both Teams
For LA Galaxy, improving their defensive coordination and reducing individual errors will be crucial. They need to maintain concentration, especially in transitions, to avoid conceding goals from counter-attacks. Offensively, continuing their clinical finishing and exploiting set-piece opportunities will be key.
Minnesota must tighten their defensive structure and improve communication at the back. Minimizing errors and enhancing their defensive organisation will be vital. In attack, being more clinical with their chances and maintaining pressure on Galaxy’s defense will be essential.
Managerial Strengths and Criticisms
Greg Vanney has effectively utilised Galaxy’s attacking talents but needs to address their defensive lapses. His tactical flexibility and ability to motivate the team are commendable, but improving defensive stability is necessary for consistent results.
Eric Ramsay’s tenure at Minnesota has been marred by defensive issues and inconsistency. His inability to solidify the defense has been a major drawback. Ramsay must adopt a more pragmatic approach and improve the team’s defensive resilience to halt their losing streak.
Predictions
Best Bet: LA Galaxy -1 to Win
Considering Galaxy’s home form and Minnesota’s defensive struggles, backing LA Galaxy to win with a -1 handicap seems a safe bet. Their attacking depth and home advantage support this prediction.
Correct Score: LA Galaxy 3-0 Minnesota United
Given Galaxy’s attacking prowess and Minnesota’s defensive vulnerabilities, a 3-0 victory for the home side is plausible. Galaxy are likely to dominate and keep a clean sheet against a struggling Minnesota team.
Goalscorer: Dejan Joveljic
Joveljic has been in excellent form, scoring 12 goals this season. His ability to find the net consistently makes him a prime candidate to score against Minnesota’s shaky defense.
First Team to Score: LA Galaxy
Given Galaxy’s trend of scoring early, they are likely to open the scoring. Their aggressive starts and Minnesota’s tendency to concede early goals support this prediction.
Corner Prediction: Over 10.5 Total Corners
Both teams average a high number of corners per game, with Galaxy at 5.5 and Minnesota at 5.7. Betting on over 10.5 total corners in this match could be profitable, given their attacking styles and propensity to force corners.
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