While the rest of the world is on break due to to international duty, LAFC continue their title-defending season, this time returning home to host FC Dallas. After earning a point away in Seattle last week, the Black and Gold will look to remain undefeated and create a gap on 4th place FC Dallas. Here is a quick preview on tomorrow’s matchup.
Players out for the game.
LAFC is one of the most diverse teams in MLS with top players from all over, making the international break a tough time for an already kind of thin roster. Diego Palacios and Jose Cifuentes were called up by Ecuador while Denis Bouanga left for his country Gabon. Honduras also called Denil Maldonado, but will be available to play since his country played at BMO Stadium.
Potential starting XI
GK: McCarthy. DEF: Hollingshead, Murillo, Chiellini, Palencia. MID: Tillman, Sanchez, Acosta. FOR: Buik, Opoku, Vela. The main doubt coming in on defense, Hollingshead has said he is feeling well from his lungs and should be ready for Saturday. If that is the case, he would be start as right back, pushing Palencia to the left back position, continuing as a starter after that good match in Seattle. This will be the fifth game in 16 days so other changes could happen.
Head to Head
This will be 10th time these two teams will face each other, with LAFC having a minor lead in direct matches with four wins compared to Dallas’ two. The Black and Gold haven’t lost any of their previous five games at home against Dallas, winning three of them and drawing two. The last time these two teams faced each other was back in September in Dallas, where the home team pulled off a 2-1 comeback win.
Notable mentions
Other notable facts are that Dallas will be out without internationals Jesus Ferreira and Paul Arriola. Ferreira has netted three goals in four matches for Dallas this season. It will also mark the return of defender Sebastien Ibeagha, who won MLS Cup with LAFC last season and will return to BMO stadium.
