LA Galaxy vs. NY Red Bulls: Preview, prediction, lineup & how to watch on TV

Here is preview for this season's final MLS fixture. It features key information such as team news, predicted lineups & how to watch on TV the 2024 MLS Cup Finals.

After 34 regular season games and three rounds of playoffs (excluding the Wild Card round), the 29th MLS Cup is only up for grabs between two soccer clubs. The Western Conference's best takes on the last one standing from the Eastern Conference.

While many are not too terribly shocked to see the Los Angeles Galaxy make it thus, others may still be in awe to see the New York Red Bulls make it this far. The Western Conference's second seed host the Eastern Conference's seventh seed.

What time does the 2024 MLS Cup Finals kick-off?

Their undefeated streak at Dignity Health Sports Park is on the line as the Los Angeles Galaxy welcome the New York Red Bulls to Carson, California. The MLS Cup Finals kick off on Saturday, December 7th at 3:00 PT, 6:00 ET.

• When is the kick-off? Saturday 7, December.
• What time is kick-off? 15:00 PT, 18:00 ET.
• Where is it played? Dignity Health Sports Park (Carson, California)

LA Galaxy News

It's no secret this game got slightly more challenging for the Los Angeles Galaxy to win. They will be without their leading scorer this postseason, Riqui Puig. He sustained a serious injury (left ACL tear) that will keep him out of the title game and for, perhaps, next season, as well.

General Manager of the LA Galaxy, Will Kuntz, added major talent to this roster to weaken a blow to their lineup like this. MLS Newcomers Joseph Paintsil and Gabreil Pec, along with goalkeeper John McCarthy plus mid-season acquisition Marco Reus are ready to help Dejan Joveljic and company rally to win a record sixth MLS Cup for the franchise.

As the 4-3-3 formation has worked all postseason (16 GF and 3 GA), don't expect Head Coach Greg Vanney to deviate from it now.

Predicted LA Galaxy lineup vs NY Red Bulls: McCarthy; Yamane, Yoshida, Garces, Nelson; Cerrillo, Delgado, Reus; Pec, Paintsil, Joveljic.

NY Red Bulls News

The New York Red Bulls may not have as flashy of an offense as the LA Galaxy. However, they have both made it to the MLS Cup Finals.

Their leading scorer during the regular season also ranked second highest on the team in assists. With 13 goals and seven assists, Lewis Morgan was Mr. Reliable for the NY Red Bulls as he only missed one game.

Emil Forsberg also provided substantial support as he contributed ten goals and five assists in just 23 games this season. The Red Bulls have also reaped the benefits of a strong showing from their starting goalkeeper.

Carlos Coronel has 21 saves in the four postseason games he has played. Three of those resulted in a shutout win for the Red Bulls. Look for all three of these players to give the LA Galaxy fits on Saturday.

Predicted NY Red Bulls vs. LA Galaxy: Coronel; Reyes, S. Nellis & D. Nellis; Stroud, Tolkin, Harper, Edelman; Forsberg; Vanzeir, Morgan.

Where to watch the 2024 MLS Cup Finals on?

This game will be available via MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. Furthermore, it will also be broadcasted live on Fox Television.

LA Galaxy vs NY Red Bulls score prediction

No disrespect to the Eastern Conference representative here, but the Los Angeles Galaxy have not lost a game all year in Carson, California. Thus, it is rather difficult to imagine that happening now. Yet, anything is possible in postseason.

Just ask the last year's champions, Columbus Crew, as they got upset by the Red Bulls. NYFC and Orlando City SC also fell victim to the Cinderella story here from Lewis Morgan and his fellow teammates.

Score prediction: LA Galaxy 3, NY Red Bulls 1.