Los Angeles FC vs Houston Dynamo Prediction & Picks - Major League Soccer

Prediction published on 8/29/24, 10:30 PM  by Tyler Doty | Modified on 8/30/24 at 10:52 AM in Major League Soccer Picks

In the battle for first place in the Western Conference, Los Angeles host Houston on Saturday night for the 27th day of the MLS regular season.

With a 5-point deficit on the leaders (Los Angeles Galaxy) but 3 games in hand, Los Angeles FC have all the cards in their hands to claim first place, which would guarantee home advantage all the way to the final. The Californians have just lost the Leagues Cup final to Columbus, but have no time to procrastinate as their main objective remains the MLS title. Steve Cherundolo's team rallied immediately to record a precious 0-1 win over Seattle on Wednesday evening, further proof of the mental strength of this collective. Having lost just one of their last 16 games at BMO Stadium, the Californians will be keen to pick up another win against a team fighting to reach the finals, Houston.

The Texans, currently in 8th place with 39 points, are looking over their shoulders given the density of the mid-table (8 points separate 4th-placed Colorado from 11th-placed Minnesota). In the fight for the top 8, Houston is in a good phase with only 2 defeats in its last 11 matches. But will they be able to continue this momentum following the Leagues Cup? Eliminated in the round of 16, the Texans failed in their return match last weekend, losing 0-1 at home to Toronto. A setback that hurt them in the battle for the finals, especially as they face one of the favorites in the Western Conference, LAFC.