Houston Dynamo vs Los Angeles FC

Western Conference leaders Los Angeles FC head to Shell Energy Stadium to take on playoff hopefuls Houston Dynamo in an exciting Major League Soccer fixture.

Houston Dynamo’s inspiring six-game unbeaten MLS run (W3, D3) ended in midweek at the hands of Real Salt Lake (2-3), leaving them pinned to the periphery of the playoff zone in the Western Conference. Despite starting this round in 8th, they’re only one point clear of 10th-placed Minnesota United, highlighting the importance of returning to winning ways against familiar foes Los Angeles. Though they enter this fixture as outsiders, the Orange Crush can draw confidence from winning their last two league H2Hs on home turf, including a thumping 4-0 victory in their most recent meeting in Texas in June 2023. But Houston’s notorious problems with inconsistent performances have seen them alternate between victories (2) and draws (2) across their last four home league outings.

On the other hand, Los Angeles’ sterling run to the top of the Western Conference saw them beat fierce crosstown rivals LA Galaxy 2-1 in midweek MLS action, extending their outstanding streak to ten wins across their last 11 league matches (D1). Los Angeles’ red-hot form has seen them score 2+ goals in three consecutive games since a 1-1 draw at Austin FC in mid-June – the only time they’ve failed to take three points since a 3-1 loss at San Jose Earthquakes at the start of May. Steven Cherundolo’s men have excelled on the road since that defeat, racking up four victories in five away league fixtures (D1), largely thanks to a rock-solid backline. Los Angeles conceded an average of only 0.6 goals per game in that stretch.