LA Galaxy vs NY Red Bulls Prediction, Preview, Lineups and Team News | MLS Final, December 7, 2024

LA Galaxy vs NY Red Bulls Preview

• Tournament: MLS (Final)
• Date: Saturday, December 7
• Kick-off Time: 09:00 PM GMT
• Venue: Dignity Health Sports Park, LA, California. 

Five-time Major League Soccer (MLS) champions LA Galaxy will be looking to march for their sixth trophy, when they face New York Red Bulls next in the MLS Finale. NY Red Bulls will be fighting for their maiden MLS title here, a feat they are yet to touch.

One of the most decorated sides from the Western Conference, LA Galaxy will be without their biggest star in this one, but getting a chance to win the finals after ten long years, as they clinched the prestigious trophy in 2014 for the last time, this appears as a golden opportunity to regain glory. Being the most consistent in both the group phase and play-offs, they are undoubtedly the favourites in this one.

NY Red Bulls were just at the mark to get a play-off spot from the Eastern Conference, But now, after staying strong in the play-offs they have managed to reach the final. Now, it’s only the LA Galaxy between them and their first-ever MLS Trophy. NY Red Bulls aren’t favourites, but in the history of football, no team is a definite favourite in the finals.

LA Galaxy Team News

LA Galaxy will be suffering from two blows, their main player Riqui Puig and Martín Cáceres are injured and out, causing major concerns before the all-important final.

NY Red Bulls Team News

Roald Mitchell and Kyle Duncan are the two players the NY Red Bulls will be without in this final, which does raise concerns, but the manager Sandro should have plans.

LA Galaxy vs NY Red Bulls Predicted Lineups

LA Galaxy Predicted Lineup:

Goalkeeper: McCarthy

Defenders: Nelson, Yoshida, Garcés, Yamane

Midfielders: Delgado, Carrillo, Reus

Forwards: Paintsil, Joveljić, Pec

NY Red Bulls Predicted Lineup:

Goalkeeper: Coronel

Defenders: Nealis, Reyes, Sean

Midfielders: Harper, Stroud, Edelman, Tolkin; Forsberg

Forward: Vanzeir, Morgan

Head-to-Head Record

LA Galaxy and NY Red Bulls have met a total of 34 times to date. In those meetings, LA Galaxy won 11 games, while NY Red Bulls won 16 games. Seven games ended in a draw. Records indicate that the NY Red Bulls have an edge in this fight.

Key Players to Watch in LA Galaxy vs NY Red Bulls

Marco Reus (LA Galaxy)

The Borussia Dortmund legend is yet to display his class at the US top tier. He joined LA Galaxy this summer, and tomorrow will be his toughest test, with Riqui Puig not playing, forcing all eyes on him to be the saviour, and game changer.

He needs to be at his best to earn the club their sixth trophy, which might be a tough deal with him required to function in multiple roles. He only had one assist in the play-offs, which came in quarters. Otherwise, he has not been noteworthy. The finale will be his podium to perform.

Emil Forsberg (NY Red Bulls)

The No. 10 is a leader, who leads from the front. And not just that, he is the connecting dot between the four-man midfield and two strikers in the manager’s lineup. He was exceptional against Columbus, and he needs to produce a similar performance to gift his club the taste of a trophy.

His playmaking abilities will also be put to the test against the seasoned high-profile midfield of LA Galaxy.

LA Galaxy vs NY Red Bulls Prediction

NY Red Bulls are expected to win this game and shock five-time winners LA Galaxy with their first trophy. LA Galaxy will be missing their pivotal player Riqui Puig in this game, so they stand a low chance to control the game, and this can be a reason for them to lose against the direct football NY Red Bulls play.

Predicted Score: LA Galaxy 1-2 NY Red Bulls (Watch Live)

Where to Watch LA Galaxy vs NY Red Bulls Live?