Betting
Houston Dynamo vs LAFC Preview: Odds, Tips and Prediction
SportsBoom previews the upcoming clash between Houston Dynamo and LAFC at Shell Energy Stadium on Sunday, 1 March 2026. The MLS has gotten off to an electric start, and with the notion of dominating your conference embedded in every franchise, there isn’t a single game where teams can afford to drop the ball. For MLS fans wanting to ensure a pleasant online betting experience, we suggest using these best betting sites for MLS.
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Guilherme Augusto of Houston Dynamo FC//Getty Images
Pre-Game Odds and Win Probability: LAFC Slight Favourites
Houston Dynamo: 23/10 (3.30) – 30.3%
Draw: 5/2 (3.50) – 28.6%
LAFC: 17/20 (1.85) – 54.1%
Odds courtesy of FanDuel, subject to change
Head-to-Head Record
04/05/2025: LAFC 2-0 Houston
06/04/2025: Houston 1-0 LAFC
08/09/2024: Houston 0-0 LAFC
01/09/2024: LAFC 0-2 Houston
03/12/2023: LAFC 2-0 Houston
These two teams are incredibly evenly matched; we expect much of the same come Sunday in an open affair in Houston.
Houston Dynamo Current Form – WWWWW
The hosts come into the fixture off the back of an incredible run of form. They have managed to find five wins in their last five outings and so will surely welcome the visit of LAFC with impenetrable confidence.
Their consistency in front of goal and defensive organisation have seen them achieve impressive results, but they will know this won’t be a walk in the park. Their midfield control and success at home are other aspects that speak positively and, in their favour, here, but patience might be key against an LAFC side happy to absorb pressure and play through the fringes and on the counter.
Key Players to Watch
- Hector Herrera: The experienced midfielder has recently extended his contract with Dynamo. His leadership and experience in midfield see his side progress smartly up the field and position themselves as a side capable of dictating the pace and feel of the game.
- Amine Bassi: He is an incredibly creative player, adding immense value to the attacking threat of this Houston side. His movement and ball control make him a difficult player to mark, and given his threat at set-pieces, he will certainly be one to watch here.
- Artur: The Brazilian has been incredible for Houston through midfield. His balance and ability to break down opposing play not only shield the defensive line but acts as a pivot to see his side transition from defence into attack seamlessly. Keep an eye on him here.
Houston Dynamo Team News
At the time of writing, Dynamo have a full fit squad to pick from.
LAFC Current Form – WDDWW
The visitors arrive in Houston off the back of strong form themselves, remaining unbeaten in their last five outings with the assistance of two draws. Their attacking output has been the difference for them so far this season, showing clinical finishing in front of goal and remaining an incredibly competitive side in this league.
They are built on counterattacking football and so often thrive in games on the road and against opposition that dominate possession of the football. Their press is aggressive, and their tempo remains high for the duration of the 90 minutes. Their defensive system is often underrated, but they are a difficult side to go toe-to-toe with, and so could be a tricky opponent here.
Key Players to Watch
- Denis Bouanga: He remains LAFC’s main attacking threat. His pace and aggressive finishing make him a key player for the visitors and an absolute handful for the opponent. He is a danger throughout the 90 minutes, so keep an eye on him here.
- Carlos Vela: His experience through the midfield cannot be understated. His vision and creative composure make him an absolute gem for his side, and given that he is incredibly consistent, he is one to watch.
- Timoth Tillman: Another midfielder who will add incredible energy and grit to the midfield. His contributions are both offensive and defensive in nature, which only endear him to the LAFC adoring fans.
LAFC Team News
LAFC are at full strength ahead of this MLS clash and come into the game with their entire squad available for selection.
Predicted Line-Ups
Houston Dynamo: Bond, Carlos, Halter, Sviatchenko, Bogusz, Bouzat, Ennali, Holmes, Guilherme, McGlynn, Ponce.
LAFC: Lloris, Palencia, Porteous, Tafari, Segura, Tillman, Eustaquio, Delgado, Martinez, Son Heung-min, Bouanga
Suggested Bets
Houston to Win – Their superior recent form and strong MLS head-to-head records justify backing the hosts here. (23/10 with FanDuel).
Under 3.5 Goals – Four of the last five meetings stayed under this line, and we are backing much of the same. (4/9 with BetMGM).
Value Bets
These are our online betting tips for punters wanting higher returns for their money.
Denis Bouanga – Anytime Goalscorer
Bouanga’s goal involvement rate through this season so far makes this an attractive bet with decent odds, too. (9/5 with DraftKings).
Prediction: Houston Dynamo to Win and Under 3.5 Goals
The attacking threat of the hosts makes them our pick here. Their defensive resilience is bettered only by their clinical finishing and power through transition phases. The visitors certainly have depth and a quality that matches that of the hosts, but given how strong they have both been defensively so far this season, we don’t expect this to turn into a goal-scoring festival.
Back the hosts to come away with the win and combine it with under 3.5 goals for even more value on your favourite online soccer betting platform.
Ryan Liberty is an experienced sports writer whose work has been featured in a range of well-known sports publications.