NYCFC vs LAFC: Predictions, Picks, Odds & Lineups

NYCFC host LAFC at Yankee Stadium on Saturday, October 17 (7:30 PM ET / 6:30 PM CT / 4:30 PM PT).

NYCFC and LAFC both go into this one with clean injury lists, so the headline team news is about personnel already in rich form rather than enforced changes. Nicolás Fernández Mercau, who has scored 15 goals for NYCFC this season, is the obvious focal point in the final third, while Denis Bouanga and Heung-Min Son carry LAFC’s attack after contributing 15 and 6 goals respectively.

NYCFC were beaten 2-1 by Chicago Fire in their last outing, while LAFC were held 1-1 at home by Vancouver Whitecaps, so both sides arrive short of their best recent form. Even so, the firepower on show — Fernández Mercau and Bouanga both sit on 15 goals this season — points to goals at both ends, and NYCFC’s home advantage should be enough to get them over the line.

US viewers can watch NYCFC vs LAFC on Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass.

Season Form & Standings

NYCFC sit 10th in the Eastern Conference, while LAFC are sixth in the West — both clubs remain in the thick of their respective playoff pictures heading into this one.

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Potential Match-Winners

• Nicolás Fernández Mercau (NYCFC): Fernández Mercau leads NYCFC’s attack with 15 goals and 55 chances created this season, putting 37 of his 70 shots on target along the way.
• Denis Bouanga (LAFC): Bouanga has matched that tally with 15 goals of his own for LAFC, backed by 81 shots and 40 on target.
• Heung-Min Son (LAFC): Son remains a constant outlet behind the front line, racking up 94 shots and creating 48 chances to go with 6 goals.

Recent Form

NYCFC: L W L D L

• 2026-10-10: Chicago Fire 2-1 NYCFC (L, away)
• 2026-09-27: Atlanta United 2-2 NYCFC (D, away)
• 2026-09-19: NYCFC 0-1 New York Red Bulls (L, home)
• 2026-09-13: Real Salt Lake 0-2 NYCFC (W, away)
• 2026-09-10: NYCFC 1-2 New England Revolution (L, home)

NYCFC’s last five in all competitions reads L W L D L, including a 2-1 loss at Chicago Fire most recently and a win at Real Salt Lake before that.

LAFC: W L D L D

• 2026-10-11: LAFC 1-1 Vancouver Whitecaps (D, home)
• 2026-09-27: FC Dallas 1-0 LAFC (L, away)
• 2026-09-20: San Jose Earthquakes 2-2 LAFC (D, away)
• 2026-09-13: Sporting KC 3-1 LAFC (L, away)
• 2026-09-10: LAFC 2-0 New York Red Bulls (W, home)

LAFC have gone W L D L D in their last five, drawing 1-1 with Vancouver Whitecaps at home last time out after a 1-0 defeat at FC Dallas.

NYCFC vs LAFC Prediction

NYCFC sit 10th in the East and LAFC are sixth in the West, with both still fighting for playoff positioning down the stretch. Fernández Mercau’s 15 goals give NYCFC’s attack a clear focal point at home, while Bouanga and Son offer enough quality to make sure LAFC are rarely shut out on the road. Expect goals at both ends and NYCFC to edge it 2-1.