Austin II vs Los Angeles FC II Predicted Lineups and Team News

Austin II welcome Los Angeles FC II to Parmer Filed in a high-stakes MLS Next Pro group-stage clash that could have major implications in both the Frontier and Pacific Division battles. Austin II have started the 2026 campaign impressively, sitting 3rd in their division with 25 points from 11 matches and a strong +13 goal difference. Their overall record of 8 wins and 3 losses, with 22 goals scored and only 9 conceded, underlines why they come into this fixture as narrow favourites.

Los Angeles FC II, meanwhile, are also 3rd in their Pacific Division on 21 points from 12 games, but their -1 goal difference (22 scored, 23 conceded) tells a story of a more volatile side: capable in attack, vulnerable at the back, especially away from home. With Austin II riding an outstanding recent run (their last five league outings show a perfect 100% form rating, averaging 2.8 goals scored and just 0.2 conceded), this matchup looks like a classic battle between a defensively solid host and a more open, high-event visitor. For anyone tracking lineups today and planning bets, understanding the predicted lineups and likely tactical patterns is crucial.

Head-to-head history in MLS Next Pro between these second teams has been tight and often dramatic, with penalty shootouts and narrow scorelines featuring prominently. Austin II have generally been strong at home in this matchup, while Los Angeles FC II have shown they can edge close contests. With both sides firmly in the playoff picture — Austin II noted as in a promotion playoff position in the conference standings, and LAFC II also tracking toward the postseason — this fixture carries significant weight in the early-season race.

Austin II Team News & Expected Lineups Today

There are no listed injuries or suspensions for Austin II ahead of this game, meaning the coaching staff should have a full squad to choose from. That is a major advantage for a team already boasting one of the league’s best defensive records, with only 9 goals conceded across 11 league matches and 6 clean sheets overall. Their defensive metrics are elite: over the last five matches they have allowed just 1 goal in total, while scoring 14.

Given their strong form and the importance of consolidating a top-three position in both the Frontier Division and the broader Eastern Conference playoff race, Austin II are expected to stick with a settled, attack-minded but well-structured shape. At home, they have been more volatile (3 wins and 3 losses, 13 scored and 8 conceded), suggesting they take more risks in Austin. The expected starting lineup should blend a stable back line with a technically strong midfield and a mobile front line, aiming to dominate territory and control the tempo while exploiting LAFC II’s away defensive issues.

Austin II Predicted Lineups & Starting Lineup

Predicted Starting XI:
GK: C. Farrar
DF: J. Bery, D. Dobruna, R. Thomas, E. Watt
MF: D. Abarca, Jorge Alastuey, D. Barro, A. González, Kenan Hot
FW: Stefan Dobrijevic

This predicted lineup leans on experience and balance across the pitch. In goal, C. Farrar is a logical choice as a senior option among several young keepers. The back four of J. Bery, D. Dobruna, R. Thomas, and E. Watt offers a mix of physicality and ball-playing ability, crucial for a side that prefers to build from the back and sustain pressure in the opposition half. With Austin II conceding just 1 goal in their last five league matches, continuity in defensive personnel is likely.

In midfield, the combination of D. Abarca, Jorge Alastuey, D. Barro, A. González, and Kenan Hot provides both work rate and creativity. Alastuey and González profile as key connectors between defence and attack, while Barro and Hot can help control central spaces and support pressing. Up front, Stefan Dobrijevic is expected to lead the line, supported by advanced midfield runners. Given Austin II’s strong scoring trends — over 2 goals per game on average and a clear ability to score in every phase of the match — this configuration should generate a steady stream of chances, especially in the final 30 minutes where they have often been decisive.

Los Angeles FC II Team News & Expected Lineups Today

Los Angeles FC II also have no reported injuries or suspensions, so they travel to Texas with a full complement. Their season so far has been defined by extremes: 7 wins and 5 losses with no draws, 22 goals scored but 23 conceded. At home they are strong (5 wins and just 1 loss, 11 scored and 7 conceded), but away from home they have struggled badly, losing 4 of 6 with 11 goals scored and a worrying 16 conceded.

That away record suggests LAFC II will need to be more compact and pragmatic than usual, even though their natural tendency is toward an open, attacking game. Their last five matches show an 80% form rating with 11 goals scored and 9 conceded, highlighting both their firepower and defensive fragility. In terms of lineups today, expect the staff to prioritise defensive stability without sacrificing the quick, vertical transitions that have made them dangerous in attack. The predicted starting lineup is built around a solid defensive core and a flexible, pacey front line.

Los Angeles FC II Predicted Lineups & Starting Lineup

Predicted Starting XI:
GK: Cabral Carter
DF: T. Babineau, C. Diaz, L. Goodman, G. Whitchurch
MF: M. Evans, B. Moyado, Jude Terry, G. Zambrano
FW: Tommy Mihalic, Sebastian Nava

In goal, Cabral Carter is the likely starter, offering experience behind a back four of T. Babineau, C. Diaz, L. Goodman, and G. Whitchurch. This defensive unit is expected to sit slightly deeper than at home, trying to protect central areas and reduce the space Austin II can exploit between the lines. Given LAFC II’s away record of 3 goals conceded per game, tightening the structure in front of Carter is essential.

The midfield of M. Evans, B. Moyado, Jude Terry, and G. Zambrano is built to combine energy and ball progression. Evans and Moyado can anchor and break up play, while Terry and Zambrano should look to carry the ball forward and link with the forwards. Up front, Tommy Mihalic and Sebastian Nava form a dangerous attacking pair, capable of stretching defences and finishing quickly in transition. With LAFC II averaging 2 goals per match overall, their attacking threat is real; the question is whether this predicted lineup can withstand Austin II’s pressure long enough to let their forwards influence the game.

Injuries and Suspended Players Impact

With both clubs reporting clean bills of health, this fixture should be decided by tactical choices and execution rather than enforced absences. The lack of injuries or suspensions means both coaches can field near-strongest XIs and adjust in-game based on momentum and match state.

Austin II Absences:

• No significant absences reported.

Los Angeles FC II Absences:

• No significant absences reported.

Tactical Analysis: How the Lineups Match Up

The predicted lineups set up an intriguing clash between Austin II’s control-oriented, defensively robust approach and LAFC II’s more volatile, transition-heavy style. Austin II’s back four plus a multi-layered midfield should allow them to dominate possession and pin LAFC II back, particularly given the visitors’ poor away defensive metrics. Austin’s ability to score consistently across all phases of the match — with strong output in both the early and late periods — suggests they will keep probing and eventually find gaps, especially down the flanks and in half-spaces between LA’s full-backs and centre-backs.

For LAFC II, the key will be surviving Austin II’s early pressure and then exploiting moments when the hosts commit numbers forward. With Mihalic and Nava leading the line, they have the pace and movement to attack quickly once possession is won. However, Austin II’s defensive numbers — just 1 goal conceded in their last five games, and 6 clean sheets overall — indicate that breaking them down in settled play will be difficult. Expect LAFC II to focus on quick counters after turnovers and set-piece opportunities, while Austin II aim to compress the pitch, win the ball high, and sustain waves of attacks. The battle in central midfield, where Alastuey, Barro, González and Hot will face Evans, Moyado, Terry, and Zambrano, should dictate who controls the tempo.

Match Prediction and Verdict

Analysis points to Austin II having the edge, particularly given their outstanding recent form (100% over the last five, with 14 scored and just 1 conceded) and LAFC II’s defensive issues away from home (16 conceded in 6 away matches). Comparative metrics favour Austin II in form, attack, defence, and overall strength, and the prediction model leans clearly toward the hosts with a strong “win or draw” tilt and a recommendation aligned with Austin II or draw and at least two total goals.

Predicted Outcome: Austin II 1–1 Los Angeles FC II This projected scoreline aligns with the conservative reading of the advice that expects goals but also acknowledges LAFC II’s attacking quality. Austin II are favoured not to lose, but LAFC II have enough offensive threat to earn a share of the points if they can tighten up defensively.

How to Watch Austin II vs Los Angeles FC II Worldwide

Here is how you can watch the match and see the official lineups today live:

• Spain: Local sports streaming platform / pay-TV football channel
• UK: Subscription-based football streaming service
• USA / North America: Domestic soccer streaming platform or league digital service
• South America: Regional sports network or online streaming partner
• MENA: Pan-regional satellite sports broadcaster or affiliated streaming app