LAFC vs Austin FC Prediction, Picks & Odds

• Austin have promise but still need time to develop their identity
• The managerial battle highly favors LAFC
• In the attack, superstar Carlos Vela will have plenty to make up for after a fairly average 2020

LAFC vs Austin FC Odds

Odds from BetRivers. Get up to a $250 sign-up bonus at BetRivers today: CO, PA, IN. Or check out more offers and promo codes for the best online sportsbooks.

LAFC vs Austin FC Predictions and Picks

Welcome to MLS, Austin FC. As the 27th franchise of the league, the Texan club will kick off their debut season with a daunting match against title-favorites LAFC.

Austin seems to have done some of their homework early in the preseason — and they’ve brought on some interesting starting options — but will it be enough to claim a victory in their first official appearance?

The odds are undoubtedly against them.

LAFC remains a step too high for the debut team, and though Austin looks like they could potentially surprise some skeptics with a playoff appearance later in the year, there will need to be a bit of patience before they eventually find their footing. On the other end of the pitch, LAFC have a point to prove as well after a disappointing 2020.

Pick:

LAFC for the win (-225)

Check out the latest predictions and picks for the MLS Cup Winner!

How to Watch LAFC vs Austin FC

So begins LAFC’s new season.

Following an encouraging 2019 that had them finishing as the winners of the Supporters’ Shield, the Southern California team later went on to disenchant fans with 2020 that had them drop all the way down to 7th in the Western Conference standings. Injuries to some key players — most notably 2019 MLS MVP Carlos Vela — impeded what was expected to be another noteworthy season.

And yet, by the end of 2020, there were signs of hope. In the last edition of the Concacaf Champions League, LAFC were able to fight their way to the final of the tournament. Although they ultimately lost to Tigres 2-1 in the championship match on December 22nd, LAFC highlighted that they were in fact a true powerhouse in the North American region.

A few months later, LAFC now look fully fit with most of their starters ready to return to the pitch. With their trademark all-out attacking approach, they’ll be sure to welcome Austin with at least a couple of goals.

Austin Might Need More Time Before Truly Making A Name For Themselves

I’m not trying to take too much away from Austin either. On paper, they do look like a decent team that’ll probably fare much better than most MLS clubs in their debut season.

Cecilio Dominguez has all of the talents to become a marquee player in the league, midfielder Alex Ring is arguably one of the best in his position, and there’s a lot of excitement about 21-year-old Rodney Redes.

Nevertheless, there are reports that Redes might not be fit for their season-opener. In defense, there are worries about the caliber of options that are available for manager Josh Wolff — who by the way, will be on the sidelines for the first time ever as an MLS coach.

It could be an interesting project for Austin that is ultimately a success, but it needs time.

The Managerial Advantage Leans Towards LAFC

With all due respect to Austin’s Wolff, there’s a noteworthy difference in experience and pedigree when looking at his managerial opponent this weekend.

LAFC’s Bob Bradley has coached two national teams, three European clubs abroad and has also claimed three MLS Coach of the Year awards. With a tendency to use a direct 4-3-3 formation that utilizes plenty of options thrown forward, Bradley thrives off of overwhelming opposition in their own half of the field.

If the reports are true that Wolff may try to counter what LAFC is doing with an attack-minded 4-3-3 of his own, he may not last long in this weekend’s encounter.

And even if he sits back or attempts more of a mid-block, the odds are that Bradley won’t have too much trouble finding a way past the questionable defensive line.

Vela Has A Point To Prove

It’s a simple yet obvious statement. Coming off a lackluster 2020 — which of course was impacted by injuries and a delay due to COVID-19 — the former league MVP must pick up his form.

Looking ahead to this weekend’s season-opener, the good news is that Vela appears confident about the ongoing partnership that he is building with his teammates.

“I feel great,” mentioned Vela in a press conference earlier this week.

The more time you spend with players you have more chemistry, you can play better. You can prepare [for] a season in a better way. So I feel our team is stronger than other years.

And with plenty of skillful teammates in support, goals should easily follow for the Mexican winger.