- Home form: LAFC have won four of their last six at home (W4, D1, L1).
- Visitors' form: RBNY have won just two of their last ten games in all competitions (W2, D3, L5).
Bouanga can be the difference
LAFC form
Los Angeles are in mixed, but solid form coming into Thursday's clash with New York Red Bulls at BMO Stadium, with their most recent pair of draws indicating a club that plays in control but have lacked a killer instinct. The Black & Gold have won five, drawn three and lost two of their last ten across all competitions and they come into this MLS 2026 matchup following a 1-1 home draw with Portland Timbers and a 0-0 away draw with D.C. United.
Red Bulls form
RBNY arrive in worse form after a run of 0 wins, 2 draws and 3 defeats in their past five and they were outplayed 0-3 at home by Philadelphia Union before grinding out a 0-0 away draw, which was a sign of a team still short on sharpness.
Clash of philosophies
Tactical approaches
Marc Dos Santos' men build from the back in a possession-first 4-3-3 system, but their sharper transition means they can be more dangerous in the final third.
Key points
- This matchup should favor LAFC if they can get through the press, but it could be a little more scrappy if RBNY can force turnovers early.
- Denis Bouanga has been the main danger for the Black & Gold in the last five games, scoring three of their three goals and he could be the key to this match.
- Los Angeles FC should have the quality to edge this one, but the odds favor them at 1.5, while the Red Bulls are around 5.3 and the draw 4.65.
Red Bulls can be pushed aside
Our recommendation for a main bet in this game is Over 2.5 goals at 1.4, especially as LAFC's home games have been open and punchy of late, averaging 3.33 goals scored and 2.00 conceded. And for a bit of a wager on a goal-fest, we'll take Both Teams To Score – Yes at 1.48 to complete our selections for what should be a lively MLS clash.
