The defending MLS Cup winners, LAFC have had a decent start to the 2023 season. The LA Galaxy have had a disastrous start. Will Los Angeles FC pile more pressure on the Galaxy? Or will the first El Trafico of the 2023 season be the fixture that sees Greg Vanney’s struggling team get their first win of the new campaign? Let’s take a look with our latest soccer betting picks.
So far this year things simply haven’t got going for the Galaxy. They started the season at +1200 with the best MLS betting sites. But after zero wins in their opening six MLS matches, Greg Vanney’s team now finds themselves out at +2800 in the latest MLS Cup winner betting. Of course there’s still time to turn things around, but the Galaxy needs a jump start pretty soon.
And what would be the best way to get the season up and running? Yes, a win over your local rivals, who just so happen to be the current MLS Cup holders. But on the flip side, a defeat to LAFC would spell trouble. The Galaxy fans are already restless, and the unease on the terraces has clearly started to impact on the team.
Saturday’s 3-0 loss in Houston means the Galaxy have now had their worst to a season ever. From their six matches played, they’ve suffered three losses, and only managed three draws. The run has left them second bottom of the Western Conference on just three points, the same as bottom side Sporting KC. Confidence must be at rock bottom.
Now in a new twist, it has been announced by LA Galaxy president Chris Klein, that he will step down at the end of the season should the club miss out on the MLS playoffs. The move from Klein has clearly been designed to stave off the current unrest. But it’s debatable if it will be enough to appease the current dissatisfaction of the Galaxy fans.
The favorites to win the 2023 MLS Cup is still Los Angeles FC. They started the season at +450, and they are now into +400.
Early second favorites, the Philadelphia Union have seen their odds drift after a poor start. Jim Curtin’s side started off at +650, but have now drifted out to +1000 after scoring just two wins in their opening seven matches.
The big movers in the betting are FC Cincinnati. Chris Albright’s team has won five and now sits top of the Eastern Conference. The Orange and Blue are still unbeaten, with 17 points from their seven matches. Cincinnati are now second favorites at +800.
Below, our MLS odds table has the latest betting to win the 2023 MLS Cup. The odds are taken from the best sourced soccer betting sites. More information on these bookmakers can be found on our best online sportsbook reviews page.
| Latest 2023 MLS Cup Winner Betting |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles FC | +400 | +400 | +400 |
| FC Cincinnati | +800 | +800 | +800 |
| Philadelphia Union | +1000 | +1000 | +1000 |
| Seattle Sounders | +1000 | +1000 | +1000 |
| New York City FC | +1200 | +1200 | +1200 |
| Atlanta United | +1200 | +1200 | +1200 |
| New England Revolution | +1200 | +1200 | +1200 |
| Nashville SC | +1400 | +1400 | +1400 |
| Austin FC | +1600 | +1600 | +1600 |
The fact that LAFC have retained their MLC Cup favorites tag is down to their solid start to the new season. Without doing anything spectacular, Los Angeles sits third in the Western Conference on 14 points.
Along with FC Cincinnati, LAFC are the only unbeaten teams remaining in the MLS. Steve Cherundolo’s team have won four, and drawn two of their six matches. And in their last MLS outing, they defeated Austin 3-0.
They’ve also just beaten Vancouver 6-0 across two-legs in their CONCACAF Champions League quarter-final. They won both legs 3-0, with the most recent match on Wednesday night, where goals from Carlos Vela (2), and Jose Cifuentes, gave them a comfortable home victory on the night.
It’s fair to say that LAFC’s build up to El Trafico has been smoother than the Galaxy’s. LAFC may well have played more recently (with their Champions League 2nd-leg on Wednesday), but they certainly wouldn’t want to swap places with Sunday’s hosts, anytime soon.
For both sides this match represents a huge opportunity. In the case of the Galaxy, it’s a chance for a much needed win to release the pressure. For LAFC, the chance to really kick their cross-town neighbors while they are down.
And according to the bookies, it’s LAFC who are the most likely franchise to take this opportunity. Although, in fairness, not by much. But bear in mind though, the Galaxy are at home!
The bookies have the Galaxy at +190 to win. The draw is +265, and Los Angeles FC are +140. On the spread, the Galaxy are -128 from scratch and +0.5, with LAFC at +108 from scratch and -0.5.
Moving onto the props, and this is where it gets really interesting. Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez returned to action last week against Houston, and he is +105 to score anytime, and +400 to score first. For LAFC, Carlos Vela and in-form Denis Bouanga are both +500 to score first, and +137 to score anytime.
For our picks though, how can anyone back the Galaxy at the moment? The draw looks the best they’ll get here. But after the shambles of losing 3-0 against Houston, and ending the match with nine players, we think we’ll side with LAFC to win for our match pick.
We’re also backing the in-form Denis Bouanga to open the scoring at +500 as well. This is an optional second pick. But we think he’s in such good form, he’s worth a small wager.
About the Author
Over the last 10 years, Dean has sharpened his expertise in crafting and revising content for his soccer and cricket betting platforms. Driven by his passion for sports betting and writing, he embarked on a journey of writing about sports wagering. Although Dean's preferred areas of focus are the English Premier League and cricket, his extensive sports knowledge enables him to tackle nearly any sport. Gone are the days of traveling the world to witness events like FIFA World Cups and Ashes cricket, as Dean now prefers the comfort of his own home while enjoying sports.
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