Los Angeles FC vs Esperance Tunis Prediction 20.06.2025
Share
Los Angeles FC vs Esperance Tunis Prediction
Los Angeles FC vs Esperance Tunis Prediction and Betting Tips for Friday’s FIFA Club World Cup Group D fixture at Geodis Park. Both teams suffered identical 2-0 defeats in their opening matches and must now fight for survival. LAFC’s debut tournament continues under pressure after losing to Chelsea, while Esperance aim to recover from a lackluster showing against Flamengo. This preview delivers in-depth analysis and Club World Cup Predictions from XpertStats experts.
- Both teams lost their opening Club World Cup fixtures 2-0.
- Los Angeles FC are making their tournament debut after a dramatic late qualification.
- Esperance Tunis failed to register a shot on target until the 67th minute against Flamengo.
- Veteran striker Olivier Giroud could start for LAFC after coming off the bench vs Chelsea.
Los Angeles FC’s journey to the Club World Cup was anything but conventional. With Club León expelled due to FIFA ownership rules, LAFC seized a surprise lifeline by defeating Club América in a high-stakes playoff. Their debut match against Premier League giants Chelsea showcased resilience, but ultimately quality prevailed. Goals from Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernandez sealed a sobering defeat for the Black and Gold, ending their ten-match unbeaten streak across competitions. With Flamengo up next, Friday’s clash against Esperance is a must-win to keep their knockout hopes alive.
Head coach Steve Cherundolo will likely shuffle his lineup, especially with David Martinez ruled out due to injury. Olivier Giroud’s experience and physical presence may earn him a starting spot up front, while Jeremy Ebobisse could drop to the bench. The MLS side knows what’s at stake – anything less than three points would make advancement near impossible. LAFC will need to convert chances more efficiently and tighten their defensive discipline, having now gone five matches without a clean sheet.
Esperance Tunis are no strangers to the global stage, but their performance against Flamengo was uncharacteristically flat. Despite entering the tournament on an 11-match unbeaten run, the Tunisian giants looked disjointed, managing just one shot on target late in the second half. Their usually reliable defense, which kept nine clean sheets during that run, faltered under Flamengo’s pressure. It was the first time in 12 matches that they conceded more than once, exposing some worrying gaps against elite opposition.
Coach Maher Kanzari will likely ring a few changes, particularly up front. Rodrigo Rodrigues failed to make an impact and may be replaced by young forward Achref Jabri. Meanwhile, Youcef Belaili remains their creative spark, boasting 15 goal contributions across domestic and continental play. However, history isn’t on their side – Esperance have won just one of six previous Club World Cup matches. With both teams desperate for points, the game is poised to be a tight, tactical battle with high stakes and little room for error. Expect intensity from the first whistle as both sides fight for survival in Group D. Club World Cup Predictions suggest LAFC may just have the edge.
Los Angeles FC enter this must-win clash with far more urgency and firepower than their North African counterparts. While both teams opened their campaigns with 2-0 losses, LAFC’s performance against Chelsea was spirited and competitive. They created chances and held their own for much of the match before individual brilliance broke them down. Meanwhile, Esperance were passive against Flamengo, managing only one shot on target deep into the second half. LAFC are likely to start Olivier Giroud up front, adding experience and aerial threat, while Esperance’s attack remains disjointed. Given the quality in LAFC’s squad and their desperation to stay alive, they are well placed to grab all three points. With home-like conditions in the U.S. and fresher legs, LAFC should edge this encounter. Back the MLS side for a narrow win as they look to bounce back and keep their Club World Cup dream alive.
More Predictions:
