By Braden Chalker
LAFC are all set to play host to Western Conference foes St. Louis CITY Wednesday night at BMO Stadium.
The Black and Gold are fresh off a 3-0 triumph over Vancouver Whitecaps at the weekend that propelled them to fifth place in the West. Star winger Denis Bouanga took on the playmaker role with three assists logged against a Vancouver defense that had conceded just 10 goals prior to their meeting with LAFC.
Despite the sputtering begin to the campaign, LAFC find themselves just four points off first place Real Salt Lake and could inch ever closer to their desired spot in the standings with three points against St. Louis. LAFC boss Steve Cherundolo might be forced into a couple of changes given the quick turnaround after Saturday's match, but he'll stick his preferred 4-3-3 system in hopes of picking up another three points at home.
Here's how the Black and Gold could lineup vs St. Louis.
LAFC predicted lineup vs St. Louis CITY ( 4-3-3 )
GK: Hugo Lloris - No questions here as the former Tottenham captain dug deep to make three important saves vs the Whitecaps.
RB: Sergi Palencia - With Ryan Hollingshead out with a neck injury, Palencia keeps his place in the XI for the second straight match.
CB: Jesus Murillo - Murillo anchors the defense after coming off the bench late on last time out.
CB: Aaron Long - Cherundolo could give Eddie Segura the start, but Long and Murillo have started to improve as a partnership over recent weeks and will need to continue on the same path as the season unfolds.
LB: Omar Campos - The former Santos Laguna player gets the starting nod at left-back for the sixth time this season due to the injury to Hollingshead,
CM: Eduard Atuesta - One of LAFC's most reliable players aims to churn out another strong showing Wednesday night.
CM: Ilie Sanchez - The veteran midfielder leads his side into battle and will be key if LAFC are to pick up three points.
CM: Timothy Tillman - Tillman has enjoyed a solid 2024 season that has gone under the radar, as he's logged four goals and two assists thus far.
RW: Cristian Olivera - The Uruguay international will hope to build off his brace against Vancouver to increase LAFC's chances of victory.
ST: Mateusz Bogusz - The versatile figure leads the frontline once more against a rigid St Louis defense.
LW: Denis Bouanga - While Bouanga was no doubt delighted with a hat-trick of assists, he'll be eager to turn that into a traditional hat trick in his charge for the Golden Boot.
This article was originally published on 90min.com as LAFC predicted lineup vs St. Louis CITY - MLS.
