Match Preview
The last regular season match for both teams in 2019 was this exact same fixture. Back in October Houston beat LA Galaxy 4-2 in what was a wild encounter. Something similar should be expected again because both sides contain an abundance of attacking quality within their squads. Houston acquired Darwin Quintero from Minnesota United in what was a big off season move. The Colombian has a proven track record in this league and adds to what is already an impressive roster in the final third. The Dynamo have striker Mauro Manotas to lead their line and he is one of the best marksman in MLS. It’s probably a surprise he’s not been sold, likewise with star winger Alberth Elis. The Honduran international can be a frustrating figure and the general consensus is that he should probably score and create even more goals than he does. Houston also have the likes of Christian Ramirez to score them goals and he looked like a great signing from LAFC last season.
Travelling to Texas this weekend are an LA Galaxy side who are one of the favourites for the MLS Cup. But they head into the campaign without star man Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who after two years in MLS decided it was time to move on. The Swede had a sensational record at Galaxy, scoring 52 goals in 56 games which is ridiculously good! Obviously, losing him is a major blow but LA softened it somewhat by adding Javier Hernandez as a replacement. It will be interesting to see how ‘Chicharito’ gets on stateside. It has been a few years since he was last majorly prolific. Galaxy are counting on him to score them at least 20 goals in 2020. The supply line is certainly there. Cristian Pavon is top class and new signings Aleksander Katai and Sacha Kljestan should provide plenty of assists. Key defensive midfielder Jonathan Dos Santos is rated questionable for the visitors for this trip due to a combination injury and lack of match fitness.
My big concern with both teams is defensively. The Galaxy offer more solidity in this department but often find themselves conceding too many. Houston have a lot of depth in defence but not necessarily much quality. Aljaz Struna was one of the highest paid centre backs in the league for Houston last season but didn’t fully live up to expectations. The Dynamo backline can be quite slow which often leads to them getting exposed. The bet I like is over 3 goals. This just feels like an obvious high scoring contender. Houston usually get out of the traps quite quickly whilst the Galaxy will want to assert their offensive strength on the game. I see both teams just trying to outscore each other in a shootout.
Prediction: 2-2
Recommended bet: Over 3 goals @1.82