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k & Gold Another rivalry is in store for MLS fans this weekend. “El Tráfico,” a play on “El Clásico,” pits the two Los Angeles-based teams against one another. This time, LAFC will play the role of host as they welcome the LA Galaxy to BMO Stadium. Last year’s defending champions, the Galaxy currently sit dead last in the Western Conference with just 15 points. Continue reading for an expert LAFC vs LA Galaxy prediction and explore stats and tips to bet on the El Trafico game.
- Major League Soccer
- Los Angeles FC vs LA Galaxy
- Saturday, July 19, 2025
- 10:30 PM EST
- BMO Stadium, Los Angeles, CA
- MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
LAFC vs LA Galaxy Prediction: Who do Sportsbooks Favor?
LAFC are favorites to defend home turf in this year’s second El Trafico. The hosts are (-175) to secure the maximum three points. The LA Galaxy are lined at (+420) to do the same. In a repeat outcome of their first meeting, a draw pays out nicely at (+340).
MLS 
LAFC -175 -175 -175 LA Galaxy +420 +420 +420 Draw +340 +340 +340
Want to better understand the 3-way moneyline (1X2) market? See our soccer betting lines and explore 2025 MLS betting sites.
LAFC Back in MLS Action After Club World Cup Outing
After a disappointing 1-0 loss to Vancouver in a critical Western Conference clash, LAFC’s spirits were low. The club had just returned from their Club World Cup duties in an appearance that was short-lived. LAFC scored only one goal and accrued the same number of points in the group stage.
Their most winnable opportunity was against Tunisian side ES Tunis, who suffocated LAFC’s attack. LAFC only mustered two shots on target. Another favorable fixture against Austin fell through to the floods, extending LAFC’s winless streak to over a month. But LAFC showed up for their two home games to follow with a total score of 5-0 against Colorado and Dallas.
Excluding the lapse against top side Vancouver, however, LAFC has been excellent in league play. The club is unbeaten in ten of their last 11 MLS games. A result against Minnesota on the road this midweek would be a satisfactory outcome for Cherundolo’s side ahead of their rivalry match. LA Galaxy have been downright terrible in 2025, but they will still grit their teeth against their intracity enemies.
The Los Angeles Derby has been one of the most exciting fixtures in the MLS since the inaugural meeting in 2018. High-scoring, close affairs characterize the biannual event, with Saturday being the 26th edition of El Trafico. The first meeting was a 4-3 comeback victory for LA Galaxy in LAFC’s third-ever regular season game. LAFC was leading 3-0 after 60 minutes.
LA Galaxy: Worst Defending Champions in MLS History?
Whether it was the absence of Ricky Puig or a championship hangover, LA Galaxy was clearly not the same team that hoisted the trophy in December when this season began. It took 17 games before the Galaxy finally won a game in what was the worst start ever by a MLS Cup winner in the following season. It didn’t help morale when Tigres UANL knocked out the CONCACAF Champions Cup hopefuls in the quarterfinals.
A 7-0 defeat to NY Red Bulls back in May felt like a death sentence. But, like LAFC, LA Galaxy has turned things around in recent proceedings. The side is now 3-1-2 in the last 6 games, with a +4 goal differential. With 12 games left in the season and a dozen points behind the last playoff spot, a return to the playoffs is in doubt. But a big opportunity to cut into that deficit presents itself this midweek at home against Austin, the current 9th-place holder.
If history repeats itself, the LA Galaxy should not bank on a win at BMO Stadium this weekend. LA Galaxy are winless away at LAFC in the last 6 league games dating back to 2020. In fact, barring a US Open Cup win, the LA Galaxy have only defeated LAFC once as visitors.
Surprisingly to some, manager Greg Vanney extended his contract with the team despite their struggles this year. The organization is pleased with the development of the roster under his tutelage and trusts his vision. The relationship represents a much more forgiving dynamic between front office and coach than is often seen in Europe and elsewhere.
LAFC vs LA Galaxy Prediction and Free Betting Pick
LAFC and the LA Galaxy appear to be in different directions as the season nears its sunset period. The Black & Gold look to challenge for the Western Conference crown for the second year running while the Galaxy hope to not be at the bottom come October. During a busy few weeks in the MLS as the Leagues Cup nears, LAFC will be salivating at the chance to earn 3 points at home against the conference’s worst side.
My numbers indicate LAFC should be favored at (-272) on the moneyline, good for a handicap of -1.5 at (+106). With the current line at -1 we have almost a half-goal of value on LAFC. Most of this value can be attributed to LAFC’s strong home record. The star-studded outfit has won more home games and earned more points at home than any other side in the West.
Take LAFC -1 at (-108), available at Bovada.
Odds are accurate at time of writing but subject to change.
Top Sportsbooks to Bet on the El Trafico Game
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