MLS Cup Final 2011 – LA Galaxy v Houston Dynamo Odds and Betting Preview

CARSON, CA. – The Home Depot Centre plays host to two of the most successful sides in MLS history when LA Galaxy and Houston Dynamo face each other for this year’s Cup Final. Both sides currently have won the trophy twice and they will look to equal the record held currently by D.C. United of three titles. There will be an electric atmosphere inside the stadium as LA play on their home turf and tickets have been sold-out for many days now.

LA Galaxy are the 4/6 favourites with bet365 and Betfred to win the match in 90 minutes. Houston are priced up at a standout 5/1 with Blue Square whilst a draw is 13/5 with Betfred which would see the match go into 30 minutes of extra time and then penalties if no winner could be decided.

A victory for LA Galaxy today will see them go the entire season undefeated at their home ground and the side have only conceded 8 league goals in 17 matches in front of their home supporters, a new league record. This match will probably mark the end for one of football’s greats, David Beckham and he would love to sign off at the American club by helping them win their first MLS trophy with him in the squad. At his two former clubs, Manchester United and Real Madrid Beckham managed to win the league titles in his final season and should manage the same feat again this evening. Galaxy have a star-studded line-up that look destined to win their first title since 2005 and have a wealth of attacking talent in Beckham, Landon Donovan and Robbie Keane.  

Houston played tonight’s rivals twice in the regular season as each side won their respective home game but the Dynamo have lost of their last four visits to the Home Depot Centre. Only four players remain in their squad from their back-to-back MLS Cup winning side of 2006/7 and they will need to draw on all their experience to stop LA here. Houston have not conceded a goal in 264 minutes of football and their back-line will be given a rigorous test of its credentials by the Galaxy forwards. Houston were dealt a major blow when the team’s main attacking threat Brad Davis was ruled out of the final after sustaining an injury in their win over Sporting Kansas City. He currently lies top of the goal assists chart and was his side’s answer to David Beckham.

In the Over/Under betting, under 2.5 goals is 8/11 with Boylesports as many predict the game will be a low –scoring affair. Punters can back under 1.5 goals at 12/5 with Stan James. Over 2.5 goals is a standout 6/5 chance with William Hill and anyone expecting a more open game can take the 10/3 on offer with the same firm on over 3.5 goals.

LA Galaxy are quoted at odds of 17/10 to be leading at the end of both halves and Draw/La Galaxy is 7/2 with Ladbrokes. A Draw at both the half-time and full-time whistles is 5/1 at betinternet and that result would see the game forced into extra-time to decide the winner. Houston/Houston is a generous 10/1 with Blue Square and if Dynamo can score early they are capable of holding on to a lead.

In the Correct Score market Galaxy are 11/2 to win by a single goal to nil with betinternet whilst a one-all stalemate is a top price of 13/2 with William Hill. The same firm offer 13/2 on a 2-0 victory for LA and sportingbet quote odds of 15/2 for a 2-1 score line in favour of the hosts. Houston are 11/1 at bet365 to snatch a 1-0 victory and the bore 0-0 draw is a 9/1 chance with Stan James.

Robbie Keane heads the First Goalscorer betting at 9/2 with Ladbrokes and he as looked in good form since his move state-side. He recovered from a brief injury setback to score a goal in his side’s 3-1 win in the Western Conference Championship. Landon Donovan is 5/1 with bet365 and he will hope to score in what could be his fourth MLS Cup title. David Beckham is 10/1 with Paddy Power to score on possibly his final start but should act more as a provider than a finisher. Brian Ching at 8/1 with Ladbrokes is the most prominent player for Houston to score the game’s opening goal. He will pose a danger to LA in the air as he will look to use his size and experience to get on the scoresheet.

This match kicks off at 21.00 ET on Sunday November 20th (02.00 GMT on Monday) and will be broadcast live on ESPN.

LA Galaxy v Houston Dynamo – Match Result Odds
LA Galaxy v Houston Dynamo – Over/Under Odds
LA Galaxy v Houston Dynamo – Half-time/Full-time Betting
LA Galaxy v Houston Dynamo – Correct Score Odds
LA Galaxy v Houston Dynamo – First Goalscorer Odds