La Galaxy La vs Los Angeles Fc Lfc Picks and Predictions September 14th 2024

Giroud vs. Reus: Star-Studded Showdown in High-Stakes El Trafico

The epic rivalry known as El Trafico between LA Galaxy and Los Angeles FC (LAFC) is about to hit another gear this Saturday night. But this time, there’s even more to get excited about. Two international stars—Olivier Giroud and Marco Reus—are making their much-anticipated debuts in the derby. With both teams fighting for the top spot in the Western Conference, the stakes couldn’t be higher, and these two heavyweights could be the difference-makers in a match that has huge playoff implications.

The Race for Western Conference Supremacy

The MLS season is nearing the finish line, and both LA Galaxy (15-6-7, 52 points) and LAFC (14-6-6, 48 points) are locked in a fierce battle for the top spot in the West. The Galaxy currently holds a slight lead, but LAFC has two games in hand, which means Saturday’s game could be their chance to close the gap and put some serious pressure on their cross-town rivals. With the regular-season title hanging in the balance, this match could very well determine who heads into the playoffs with the upper hand.

Olivier Giroud: LAFC’s New Secret Weapon

Olivier Giroud, LAFC’s summer signing, has been making waves since he joined the squad. At 37, the French striker is still a force to be reckoned with, having made his mark as France’s all-time leading goal-scorer during his time at Arsenal, Chelsea, and AC Milan. LAFC has been lacking a top-tier center forward, and Giroud’s arrival finally gives them that lethal striker they’ve needed for over two seasons.

Giroud’s impact was felt immediately, even if he didn’t score in his MLS debut—a 0-0 draw against Houston last weekend. His presence alone created space for LAFC’s other goal threats, like Denis Bouanga, who has already racked up 16 goals, and Mateusz Bogusz, with 13 points. And let’s not forget that Giroud found the back of the net in the Leagues Cup final, though it wasn’t enough to stop a 3-1 loss to Columbus Crew.

Even after just a few games, Giroud’s reputation as a clinical finisher is something Galaxy coach Greg Vanney isn’t taking lightly. “Guys like Giroud need one half of a look, and it’s in the back of the net,” Vanney warned. LAFC will be counting on Giroud’s experience and sharpness to break down Galaxy’s defense in what promises to be a nail-biter.

Marco Reus: Galaxy’s New Creative Maestro

Over on the Galaxy side, Marco Reus has wasted no time proving his worth. The German playmaker, who’s spent years as a fan favorite at Borussia Dortmund, has seamlessly slotted into the Galaxy midfield since arriving this summer. Unlike Giroud, Reus isn’t there to finish off chances—he’s the one creating them.

Reus’s role as a deep-lying playmaker allows him to pull the strings in midfield, often dropping back to orchestrate attacks and link up play. His creativity is the perfect complement to Riqui Puig, the Galaxy’s young midfield star. In fact, their first game together— a 2-0 win over Atlanta United in August—showed just how dangerous this partnership could be. Reus bagged a goal and an assist in that match, reminding everyone why he’s one of the best in the game at finding space and creating scoring opportunities.

LAFC coach Steve Cherundolo has high praise for Reus, especially under pressure: “He doesn’t make very many mistakes in tight spaces, under pressure, in the final third.” If Reus and Puig can keep the ball moving quickly and open up LAFC’s defense, the Galaxy could be in for a strong night.

El Trafico: A Rivalry That Never Disappoints

The El Trafico rivalry has delivered plenty of thrills over the years, with LAFC taking five of the last six encounters. But don’t be fooled by the numbers—most of these games have been extremely close, with only one being decided by more than a single goal. As these two teams head into yet another high-stakes clash, expect more of the same: a tightly contested game with both sides hungry to claim bragging rights.

It’ll be a tactical chess match, with Giroud’s physical presence and ability to stretch defenses going head-to-head against Reus’s creativity and vision in midfield. Who will come out on top? That could depend on which team’s stars shine brightest when it matters most.

The Tactical Breakdown: Giroud’s Power vs. Reus’s Flair

This game offers an intriguing contrast in styles:

LAFC’s Attack: With Giroud up front, LAFC has a clear focal point for their attack. His hold-up play will give Bouanga and Bogusz the time and space to get into dangerous positions, while Giroud’s aerial ability and clinical finishing make him a constant threat in front of goal.

Galaxy’s Midfield: On the flip side, the Galaxy’s strength lies in their midfield, where Reus and Puig can control the tempo of the game. Reus’s intelligent movement and vision allow him to find space between LAFC’s defensive lines, while Puig’s range of passing can open up the field and create chances for the Galaxy’s attackers.

Both teams have the firepower to score goals, but the game could come down to which side can impose their style on the other.

What’s on the Line?

This isn’t just another regular-season match—there’s a lot at stake for both teams in terms of playoff positioning:

For LAFC: With two games in hand, LAFC can leapfrog the Galaxy with a win and take control of their own destiny in the race for the Western Conference title. A victory would also give them a huge momentum boost heading into the final stretch of the season.

For LA Galaxy: A win for the Galaxy would solidify their spot at the top of the Western Conference and give them a key psychological edge over LAFC. With playoff positioning on the line, every point counts, and a win here could set the tone for the postseason.

Key Players to Watch

Olivier Giroud (LAFC): Can the veteran French striker score his first MLS goal in one of the league’s biggest games? His ability to finish even the smallest of chances could be the difference-maker for LAFC.

Marco Reus (Galaxy): Will Reus’s creativity and vision help the Galaxy unlock LAFC’s defense? His chemistry with Puig could prove vital in breaking down a solid LAFC backline.

Prediction: Expect Fireworks

With both teams boasting world-class talent and high stakes on the line, this promises to be one of the most exciting El Trafico showdowns in recent memory. Given how close these matchups have been and the quality on display, we’re predicting a tight contest with plenty of action.

Final Prediction: LAFC 2-2 LA Galaxy: Both teams have the firepower to score, but their defenses will be under immense pressure in a high-intensity game. A draw seems the most likely outcome, as neither team will want to give an inch in this fierce rivalry.