Atlanta v LA Galaxy: MLS betting preview & free tips

TV: Sky Sports Football / Sky Sports Main Event, 10pm Saturday

Tensions are rising in Major League Soccer. LA Galaxy fell further off the pace of Californian rivals Los Angeles FC after losing an explosive encounter with Portland 4-0 last time out.

The Timbers were allowed 22 shots and ten at goal as they swept aside a frustrated Galaxy outfit, who had two players sent off.

Opponents Atlanta United are also recovering from a loss but there were plenty of positives to draw from their 4-3 defeat to LAFC last Saturday.

The Five Stripes are reaping the rewards of having Josef Martinez back in their team and last season's top scorer has bagged 17 goals in 20 appearances.

He notched in that defeat in which they mustered 11 shots and had opportunities to snatch a point against arguably the strongest team in both divisions.

Punters should also note that Atlanta are a better team on home soil. They have won eight of their 11 assignments at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium this campaign compared to only three of their 11 games on the road.

Their last two home encounters have finished 5-0 and 2-0 against Houston Dynamo and DC United and those clean sheets reflect an air of defensive confidence which they have been showing more and more as the season has progressed.

That makes offers of a shade of odds-on about them winning by two goals or more an enticing bet, as is backing the in-form Martinez to open the scoring.

Recommendations
Atlanta -1 goal on handicap
2pts 10-11 Betfair, Paddy Power
J Martinez to score first
1pt 21-10 general

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