Los Angeles vs ES Tunis Prediction: Bouanga the main man

Two teams that suffered 2-0 defeats in their opening games of the Fifa Club World Cup meet on Friday as Los Angeles face ES Tunis at Geodis Park in Nashville (23:00 BST, DAZN). Los Angeles lost to Chelsea while ES Tunis fell to a defeat against Flamengo, so both teams are fighting for their tournament lives in this one. 

Below you can find my Los Angeles vs ES Tunis predictions featuring team news and betting tips. 

Team News

Jeremy Ebobisse started up front against Chelsea, but he put in a poor performance and was withdrawn at the break. He is likely to lose his place to the far more experienced Olivier Giroud for this one, while Nathan Ordaz was taken off injured in the first half. 

David Martinez should start in his place, with Denis Bouanga making up the front three. Former Tottenham Hotspur captain Hugo Lloris will keep his place in goal, behind the centre-back duo of Eddie Segura and Aaron Long. Timothy Tilman was arguably LAFC’s standout performer, and will play a key role in the heart of midfield. 

Football Odds

For ES Tunis, Chiheb Jbeli and Yan Sesse were both withdrawn at half-time and are at risk of losing their starting spots. 18-year-old Ivorian Abdramane Konate could be given the responsibility of creating chances in the number 10 role, and Elias Mokwana is also pushing to be in from the off. 

Experienced centre-back Yassine Meriah put in a strong display, despite conceding twice, and he will partner Mohamed Tougai at the back. 

Los Angeles vs ES Tunis Odds

Los Angeles are the favourites to win this game, priced at 5/6 which gives them an implied win probability of 55%. Meanwhile ES Tunis are 18/5, a draw is 12/5 and over 2.5 goals is 6/5.

BTTS is 1/1 and Bouanga is the favourite to open the scoring at 7/2. Betfred are also offering plenty of Price Boosts and selected Bet Builders, which you can check out by clicking the above link. 

Los Angeles to win to nil @ 7/4

I’m going to side with the Americans on this occasion, as I don’t think they performed all that badly against Chelsea. They were well beaten but they created an xG of 0.85 despite not having much of the ball, so I think they will get the better of the Tunisians.

Today's Football Fixtures

ES Tunis may have won their domestic league and cup this term, but they are facing decent opposition at this tournament and looked way off it in that opener. They created an xG of just 0.24 against Flamengo and they seem a little lost on how to damage teams in the final third.  I think I’ll back Los Angeles to win to nil as my first selection as a result, as I can see them edging a tight encounter in Nashville. 

Denis Bouanga to score anytime @ 13/10

French forward Bouanga has been a fairly reliable goalscorer throughout his career and at 30, he’s now found his feet at LAFC. He’s scored 12 club goals for this season, which may not seem that high, but his recent run of form has been ridiculous, as he has scored nine in his last 11 appearances.

It looks as though Giroud will come in to start down the middle, but Bouanga spot as the left forward is secured and he could benefit from his compatriot's return. The wide man likes to cut in from that position and fire shots in at goal, and lots of them. He averages five shots per game in MLS, but he hit eight against Club America earlier in the month.

He’s the most likely goalscorer in my eyes, so let’s back him to find the net and continue that fine goalscoring form. 

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