LA Galaxy vs LAFC: TV channel, live stream, team news & prediction | El Trafico
By Chris Smith
LA Galaxy and LAFC go head-to-head on Saturday in the first and much anticipated El Trafico clash of the season.
Both sides have started the season well, with the Galaxy third in the West with nine points from five games, while LAFC are top and unbeaten so far.
This match will also be the first El Trafico meeting between Mexican stars Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez and Carlos Vela. The two forwards are the key players for their respective LA teams but are yet to go up against each other in this fixture.
It's certainly not one to be missed so read on to find out how to watch El Trafico, team news, and more:
How to watch LA Galaxy vs LAFC on TV/live stream
When is kick-off? Saturday, 9 April, 7:30pm (EST)
Where is it being played? Dignity Health Sports Park
What TV channel is it on? Fox (USA), ESPN (Mexico)
Highlights? Major League Soccer YouTube channel
LA Galaxy team news
Midfielder Marky Delgado was sent off for two yellow card offenses against the Portland Timbers and will serve a suspension for this match. Jorge Villafana remains sidelined as he recovers from knee surgery, while Adam Saldana is still out with an ankle problem.
Left-back Raheem Edwards was impressive in Portland and should start against his former teammates.
LA Galaxy predicted XI: Bond; Araujo, DePuy, Williams, Edwards; Cabral, Raveloson, Vazquez, Grandsir; Alvarez; Chicharito.
LAFC team news
Eddie Segura and Erik Duenas are both still out with knee injuries, but Franco Escobar could return for Steve Cherundolo's side. All eyes will be on Carlos Vela who has scored just one goal in his last four games after opening the season with a hat-trick against the Colorado Rapids.
LAFC predicted XI: Crepeau; Hollingshead, Murillo, Fall, Palacios; Blessing, Ilie, Cifuentes; Vela, Arango, Rodriguez.
LA Galaxy vs LAFC head-to-head record
The Galaxy certainly had the upper hand during the early stages of this derby, going unbeaten across their first five meetings and winning two of them. But in the eight since, it's been a little more even with each side winning three times and playing out two draws.
- LA Galaxy: 5
- LAFC: 3
- Draw: 5
LA Galaxy vs LAFC score prediction
This fixture never needs any extra encouragement to entertain, but with Chicharito and Vela tied on four goals each this early into the season, we really could be in for something special.
LAFC are unbeaten and lead the overall standings, but the Galaxy are just four points behind and can really show they're back this season by beating their rivals.
There are top-class Mexicans, a serious supporting cast, and an incredible atmosphere on show, so strap yourselves in and enjoy arguably the best fixture on the MLS calendar.
Prediction: LA Galaxy 2-2 LAFC