2022 MLS Cup Preview: LAFC vs Philadelphia Union Predictions And Latest Odds

So, this is it. The 2022 MLS season has seen 1,409 (2.96 per game) goals scored across 476 matches, with the division reaching a record attendance of over 10 million during its schedule. Just two teams are left standing in the hunt for the biggest honor of all, however: Supporters Shield winners LAFC and Philadelphia Union. The biggest fixture in North American soccer’s calendar is all set to kick off this Saturday, so why not check out all the latest MLS odds and predictions for the match at SinkorSwimSports?

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2022 MLS Cup Match Information

When: Saturday 5th November

Kick-Off: 4pm ET

Watch: FOX, Univision, TUDN, TSN4, TVA Sports

Location: Banc of California Stadium, Los Angeles

Why LAFC Will Win The 2022 MLS Cup

Steve Cherundolo’s LAFC have been the pace-setters across the 2022 MLS season, winning their second Supporters’ Shield on Decision Day. Their second title in just four years, the Californian outfit are yet their hands on an MLS Cup but their strong home form this year should give them plenty of encouragement heading into Saturday’s match. 

Only Nashville beat the Black and Gold at the Banc of California Stadium, and the way in which Cherundolo’s men dispatched LA Galaxy and Austin at home in the playoffs is a good indicator of the form they are playing with. In the last five MLS Cup finals, the away side has only won once, which was New York City in 2021, and only via a penalty shootout.

Only seven teams have won the Supporters Shield and MLS Cup, with Toronto being the latest in 2017. Despite this, LAFC have all the cards in their corner for a first MLS Cup: the superior regular season, home-field advantage, and the edge in the betting markets. The fact that the side have been this good without names like Chiellini and Bale turning up yet shows they have an extra level in reserve.

Why Philadelphia Union Will Win The 2022 MLS Cup

Whilst LAFC have the top jersey-sellers and the Supporters Shield, Philadelphia Union have been no slouches this season. 

The Union’s +46 Goal Difference was the best in the entire division, with Jim Curtin’s men looking well-organized at both ends of the pitch. Only Hany Mukhtar (23) scored more goals than Dániel Gazdag (22) for Philly, being supported superbly by Julian Carranza and Mikael Uhre. The Union are currently the best in the business when it comes to scoring from dead-ball deliveries with 13 goals, and have also only conceded five times from set-pieces all season. 

Jim Curtin was named the 2022 MLS Manager of the Year, with the 43-year-old becoming the youngest two-time recipient of the award. Leading his side to the top spot in the Eastern Conference for the second time in three seasons, Union’s record points tally (67) is a showcase of their continued development. 

With the American’s contract expiring in 2023, could the perfect romantic send-off be on the cards? 

LAFC vs Philadelphia Union Predictions And Odds

Undoubtedly a matchup between the two best teams in the 2022 MLS, we think this fixture will be massively decided in the first hour. With the home support behind them, we’ve seen LAFC fly out of the traps and put teams to the side, with the Conference Final win over Austin being a shining example of that in full effect. 

However, Philly have been a side that have become adept at punishing teams that are beginning to look leggy in the later stages of a game. If the Union are able to weather the storm, there could be opportunities to do some damage. 

Our latest MLS Cup odds over at BetUS have LAFC priced as favorites at -130. Philadelphia Union are available to back at +305. 

Cristian Arango is currently the leading name in the First Goalscorer odds at +450. The Colombian forward scored 16 times during the regular season for LAFC and added another two in the playoffs against Galaxy and Austin.