Los Angeles Galaxy - New York City Betting: Gerrard and Lampard seeking victory in first MLS meeting

East meets West on Sunday night as NYC head to LA for the first time in their short history and our tipster expects the headline names to play an important role in the outcome

New York City FC make the long trip across the United States to California to take on Los Angeles Galaxy this weekend, with the newly-formed franchise aiming to take the first bragging rights in their maiden meeting with the five-time MLS Cup winners.

Frank Lampard, David Villa and Andrea Pirlo have all joined the Big Apple side this season but they remain definite outsiders on their first trip to the StubHub Center and have been priced as 5/1 (6.00) to take maximum points.

Defending league champions LA, who are aided by the talented trio of Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard, and former Tottenham stars Robbie Keane and Giovani Dos Santos are clear favourites at 2/5 (1.40), whilst a draw is 7/2 (4.50) with bookmakers Paddy Power.

Galaxy top the Western Conference with the best home record in the MLS, having won 11 of their last 12 games in front of their own fans, scoring 31 goals in the process - by far the most in the division.

Bruce Arena’s men can be backed at 15/8 (2.88) to win to nil, having conceded just eight goals at home in 13 games but odds of 16/5 (4.20) for Galaxy to win with a handicap of -2 also appear tempting considering their attacking options.

New York City, meanwhile, remain in seventh spot, below the play-off line in the East and are not expected to pull off an upset having won just three away matches since March.

The household marquee names are the star attraction as two heavyweight clubs collide and for Premier League followers, Gerrard and Lampard’s head-to-head will steal the focus. The former Reds skipper is available at 6/4 (2.50) to score at any time, whilst the ex-Chelsea midfielder is 16/5 (4.20) to find the back of the net.

The man in real form across the Atlantic is Robbie Keane. The Republic of Ireland international is 7/2 (4.50) to score first having hit 13 times in 10 games for Los Angeles, establishing an immediate connection with former Barcelona forward Dos Santos.

That positive relationship will enable Gerrard and Co. to enjoy a relatively stress-free evening and extend their winning run to six games by a comfortable margin.