LAFC vs New York City Preview & Picks - The points to be shared as LAFC host New York City in the MLS

LAFC edged to a 1-0 win over Minnesota United in their opening game of the season as they began the new campaign with a win. 

New York City had to settle for a point against Inter Miami in their last match as they battled to a 2-2 draw with their opponents. 

The two sides have only met five times in total, with both sides winning once each, while the other three have ended in draws. 

LAFC would have been hugely disappointed by the ending to their season in 2024 as they finished at the top of their conference only to be knocked out by the Seattle Sounders in the Conference Semi-Finals. 

While the Sounders are a strong side, LAFC looked good value to go all the way after winning 19 of their 34 matches. As it was, LAFC had to watch rivals LA Galaxy lift the trophy as they triumphed in the final. The pain of stumbling out of the competition in 2024 will be something that they use to drive them on this season. 

The opening match of the new campaign saw LAFC notch a battling 1-0 win over Minnesota, with this enough to ensure they began in positive style. The major worry for LAFC is their Concacaf Champions League first round clash with Colorado in midweek. Trailing 2-1 heading into the second-leg, LAFC will be desperate to win the second-leg, meaning there may be some tired legs heading into the weekend. 

New York City were fairly good last season, finishing the regular campaign in sixth with 50 points from 14 wins and 12 draws. 

However, they were eliminated in frustrating style as rivals the New York Red Bulls secured a 2-0 win over them in the Conference Semi-Finals. To add insult to injury, the Red Bulls almost went on to win the competition, only to fall to a 2-1 loss at the hands of LA Galaxy in the final.

Travelling to face LAFC will not be easy for any side this season, but New York City may yet benefit from making the trip early in the campaign. As mentioned, the Concacaf Champions League match LAFC take part in during the week will also take a toll, meaning the travelling side have every chance of leaving with points.