Yahoo Sports LA Galaxy predicted lineup vs LAFC - MLS
LA Galaxy will look continue their winning ways when they take on in-state rivals LAFC in the second El Trafico of the 2024 Major League Soccer season.
The Galaxy will be eager to build on three straight wins in MLS play to overtake their rivals in the Western Conference table. Greg Vanney's side are level with the Black and Gold on 40 points, and a win would propel the Gs into first place in the division.
As star midfielder Riqui Puig was out for a few matches with a groin injury, Vanney shifted his formation to a 4-2-3-1 setup to accommodate Diego Fagundez playing as an attacking midfielders. With Puig likely to start after playing 35 minutes off the bench vs San Jose. Vanney will likely revert back to his preferred 4-3-3, with Puig pulling the strings from the middle of the park.
Here's how the five time MLS Cup winners could lineup for El Trafico.
LA Galaxy predicted lineup vs LAFC ( 4-3-3 )
GK: John McCarthy - The veteran shot-stopper will hope to put in a good shift against his former club to help propel his side to victory.
RB: Miki Yamane - The Japan international keeps his place in the team at right-back and faces a tough task of limiting reigning Golden Boot winner Denis Bouanga's chances at goal.
CB: Jalen Neal - Neal's inexperience could be potentially hurt the Galaxy as he's set to face off against the veteran Kei Kamara, who definitely knows a thing or two about scoring goals in MLS.
CB: Maya Yoshida - The former Southampton defender leads the backline and will be tasked with slowing down the likes of Kamara and Mateusz Bogusz.
LB: Julian Aude - Aude retains his spot at left-back as he closes in on 50 appearances as a Galaxy player.
CM: Marco Delgado - The 29-year-old will have to be on his game against one of the best midfields in all of MLS to give the Galaxy a shot at three points.
CM: Riqui Puig - All eyes will be on Puig who is likely to make his first start in just over a month, and he'll have his work cut out against an experienced LAFC defense.
CM: Edwin Cerrillo - The ex-FC Dallas player will more than likely take on a defensive role alongside Delgado while Puig roams free in the attacking third.
RW: Gabriel Pec - One of the Galaxy's most electric players will look to add to his two goal involvements in his last two games.
ST: Dejan Joveljic - He leads the team with 12 goals scored and has proven that he can be the target man for the Gs.
LW: Joseph Paintsil - Paintsil has been one of the signings of the season and has more than played his part in the Galaxy's success this season.
