Preview: Los Angeles FC vs. Austin FC – Prediction, Team News, Lineups

Los Angeles FC will look to recover from their derby defeat to LA Galaxy when they Austin FC in the Major League Soccer duel on Thursday.

The visitors, meanwhile, are looking to avoid their third consecutive league defeat and a win at BMO Stadium could overtake their Texan rivals FC Dallas and keep their slim playoff hopes alive.

Game Preview

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LAFC comes into this game after a disappointing 4-2 loss at LA Galaxy on Sunday, when goals from Dejan Joveljic, Edwin Cerrillo And Riqui Puig a sensational comeback after LAFC won with goals from Mateusz Bogusz And Denis Bouanga.

Even more disappointing for the Black and Golds was the fact that Lewis O’Brien was sent off for a dangerous foul Miki Yamane late in the game.

It was a time of ups and downs for Steve Cherundolo's side have had a tough time recently, following a Leagues Cup final loss to Columbus Crew with a 1-0 away win at Seattle Sounders to book their place in the US Open Cup final.

LAFC will play Sporting KC in the final later this month, but first and foremost they need to improve their form in the league as they are winless in their last three games in MLS.

LAFC also still has a lot at stake in the league and although Sunday's derby loss was a bitter pill to swallow, they are only seven points behind leaders LA Galaxy and have two games in hand over their rivals.

Despite no longer having its fate in its own hands, LAFC is just four points away from matching its 2023 season total of 52 points, but would need to win all seven remaining games to surpass the haul of 67 it achieved in 2022 when it led the Western Conference.

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Austin travels to Los Angeles hoping to turn a rocky September around, following a home loss to the Vancouver Whitecaps with a 2-1 away defeat at Toronto FC on Sunday.

Jonathan Osorio And Deandre Kerr scored for the hosts, who gained a two-goal lead, and despite Owen WolffAlthough Verde and Black gave his team new hope with his late goal, the Canadians left the country empty-handed and frustrated and now occupy 11th place in the Western Conference.

It was a disappointing season for Josh Wolff's team as they have the lowest xG (1.09) and the third highest xGA (1.57) in MLS, so it's clear to see that Austin is struggling at both ends of the pitch.

Head coach Wolff has been with the club since 2020 and during his tenure has seen Austin finish 12th in both 2021 and 2023, however they had a sensational season in 2022 when they finished second before losing the Western Conference finals 3-0 to Thursday's opponents.

But in 2024, even the playoffs seem like a big challenge: Austin is five points behind Minnesota United in ninth place with just six games left, and heading into Thursday's away game at LAFC, it already feels like the team's playoff hopes are hanging in the balance.

However, recent game history does not favor Wolff's team, as LAFC remains unbeaten in the last four meetings between the two teams, achieving three wins and one draw and an overall score of 11-3.

Los Angeles FC Major League Soccer form:

Los Angeles FC form (all competitions):

Austin FC Major League Soccer form:

Austin FC form (all competitions):

Team News

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Lorenzo Dellavalle (torn cruciate ligament) is the only long-term injured player at LAFC, Jesus Murillo (knee) is questionable for this game, and defender Ryan Hollingshead is one yellow card away from a suspension.

However, O'Brien, on loan from Nottingham Forest, is suspended following his red card against LA Galaxy. Marco Delgado and is the most likely candidate to take over his representation.

Bouanga is chasing the Golden Shoe and is only two goals away from Christian Benteke's 19 MLS goals, with the versatile striker likely to once again be alongside Olivier Giroud and Bogusz in attack.

Austin, meanwhile, has a fully fit squad for the trip to Los Angeles, with Wolff likely opting for the same team that lost to Toronto.

Daniel Pereira, Alexander Ring And Sebastian Driussi will likely form a talented midfield trio on paper, with Driussi given permission to move forward and support the attack.

Forward Gyasi Zardes has scored just three goals in 28 MLS games this season, with Diego Rubio on standby in case the manager wants to replace his main striker for this game.

Possible starting lineup for Los Angeles FC:
Lloris; Hollingshead, Long, Segura, Campos; Ilie, Tillman, Delgado; Bogusz, Bouanga, Giroud

Possible starting lineup for Austin FC:
Stuver; Desler, Hines-Ike, Hedges, Biro; Pereira, Ring, Driussi; Bukari, Obrain, Zardes

We think: Los Angeles FC 2-1 Austin FC

LAFC has a lot at stake this season in the league and with the Cup final looming later this month, so gaining momentum for that is of utmost importance.

With that in mind, and given Austin's inconsistent form that has plagued them all season, we expect the home side to come out on top in what could be a close affair.

Click here to see a data analysis of the most likely outcomes, scores and more for this match.

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