LA Galaxy vs Houston Dynamo 7/23/20 - MLS Picks & Predictions

On Thursday, the LA Galaxy will play the Houston Dynamo in the final match for both in the group stage of the MLS is Back Tournament. LA is in last place in Group F after losing each of the first two fixtures. The Galaxy have not played well in the first two outings losing to Portland 2-1 to start the tournament and then being embarrassed by LAFC 6-2 in their most recent outing. The Galaxy has a long shot chance of qualifying as one of the top third place clubs in the group stage but must defeat Houston to have any hope of moving on.

To add to their misery, the Galaxy will be without star player Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez, who suffered a strained calf muscle during training. Chicharito did not play in the Galaxy's lopsided loss to LAFC on Saturday and is expected to miss three to four weeks. The LA front line is averaging just 1.50 goals per game while the defense is giving up far too many with an average of 4.00 goals conceded per match.

Houston is third in Group F with one loss and one draw in its two matches played to date. Houston opened its group stage play of the tournament with a 3-3 draw against LAFC, but was defeated in its most recent outing 2-1 by Portland. Houston is still very much in the running for a qualification in the knockout stages but must defeat the LA Galaxy on Thursday and receive help from Portland in the Timbers’ match against LAFC.

In its last four matches dating back to late February, Houston has two draws and two losses. Over that span of four fixtures, the Houston offense has scored five goals, while its back line and goalkeeper have allowed 10. Memo Rodriguez and Alberth Elis are the leading goal scorers for Houston with two a piece, while Darwin Quintero is the assists leader for the Dynamo with two.