- Fixture: Los Angeles FC vs Esperance Sportive de Tunis
- Date: Friday, June 20, 2025
- Venue: GEODIS Park, Nashville, Tennessee
- Competition: FIFA Club World Cup 2025, Group D
Match Preview
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup brings a pivotal Group D clash as Los Angeles FC face Esperance Sportive de Tunis at GEODIS Park in Nashville. Both teams are seeking their first points after opening defeats, with LAFC falling 2-0 to Chelsea and Esperance losing by the same scoreline to Flamengo. With only the top two advancing, this fixture is a must-win for both sides, promising a tense and tactical battle under the Tennessee lights.
LAFC, representing MLS and North America, showed flashes of quality against Chelsea, particularly through Denis Bouanga and David Martínez, but lacked clinical finishing. Manager Steve Cherundolo will want his side to build on their solid defensive structure and capitalize on their attacking opportunities this time around. Esperance, the Tunisian giants and African champions, struggled to cope with Flamengo’s intensity but will be motivated to bounce back, especially with the experienced Youcef Belaïli leading the line.
Recent Form and Team News
LAFC entered the tournament after a strong domestic season and a competitive run in continental competitions. Their recent 2-0 defeat to Chelsea was closer than the scoreline suggests, with Bouanga and Martínez both coming close to scoring. In MLS play, LAFC have been solid, sitting in the top half of the table, and their squad depth is a strength. Injury-wise, LAFC are mostly healthy, though they have a long-term absentee with a cruciate ligament injury, but no new suspensions or major knocks reported.
Esperance, meanwhile, are coming off a dominant domestic campaign, having secured the Tunisian league title with an impressive record (19 wins, 9 draws, 2 losses, 57 goals scored, 22 conceded, 15 clean sheets). However, their opening match against Flamengo exposed some defensive frailties, especially on the flanks, and they will need to tighten up against LAFC’s pacey forwards. The squad is a blend of Tunisian stalwarts and international talent, with no major injuries or suspensions reported ahead of this clash.
Key Players to Watch
- LAFC:
- Denis Bouanga – The Gabonese forward is LAFC’s main attacking threat, responsible for penalties and set pieces, and already has 8 goals and 5 assists this season.
- David Martínez – The young Venezuelan forward provides pace and directness, complementing Bouanga in attack.
- Olivier Giroud – The veteran striker brings experience and aerial presence, with 3 goals in 10 appearances this season.
- Esperance:
- Youcef Belaïli – The Algerian winger is in sensational form with 19 goals and 4 assists this season, and is the team’s creative heartbeat.
- Bechir Ben Saïd – The Tunisian international goalkeeper will need to be at his best to keep out LAFC’s attack.
- Rodrigo Rodrigues – The Brazilian forward adds flair and unpredictability in the final third.
Prediction and Betting Preview
This match is finely balanced, with LAFC seen as slight favorites due to their home-continent advantage and attacking depth. Both teams are under pressure after opening losses, but LAFC’s forward line, led by Bouanga and Giroud, could prove decisive against an Esperance defense that looked vulnerable against Flamengo. Expect Esperance to rely heavily on Belaïli’s creativity and set pieces.
Prediction:
LAFC 2-1 Esperance
LAFC’s attacking options and home support in Nashville should give them the edge, but Esperance are dangerous enough to get on the scoresheet.
Betting Markets and Odds
| Market | Selection | Odds | Bet Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| Match Result | LAFC Win | 10/11 | Bet Now |
| Match Result | Draw | 5/2 | Bet Now |
| Match Result | Esperance Win | 16/5 | Bet Now |
| Both Teams to Score | Yes | 10/11 | Bet Now |
| Over 2.5 Goals | Yes | 11/10 | Bet Now |
| Correct Score | LAFC 2-1 Esperance | 8/1 | Bet Now |
| First Goalscorer | Denis Bouanga (LAFC) | 9/2 | Bet Now |
| Anytime Goalscorer | Youcef Belaïli (Esperance) | 3/1 | Bet Now |
Odds are subject to change. Please check the linked site for the latest prices.
Expect fireworks in Nashville as both teams chase a crucial three points in Group D. With attacking talent on both sides, this promises to be one of the most entertaining fixtures of the round.
