LAFC Clash with ES Tunis: Match Preview, Expert Predictions and Expected Starting XI
Los Angeles FC and Espérance de Tunis are both desperately seeking a vital win and their inaugural points in the 2025 Club World Cup as they face off on Friday.
Each team suffered 2–0 defeats in their opening matches, with LAFC losing to Chelsea while ES Tunis was defeated by Flamengo. Claiming victory in their second Group D fixture is essential for advancing to the knockout rounds, as another loss would likely eliminate their chances of progressing past the group phase.
LAFC enjoys a slight home field advantage for this upcoming battle and must capitalize on any opportunity to secure all three points. The squad wasn't entirely disappointing against Chelsea and managed to trouble the Blues at various moments during the match, but they need to be more decisive in front of goal this time.
ES Tunis provided minimal threat in their opening fixture, recording only 31% possession, six attempts on goal, and an expected goals figure of merely 0.24 in Philadelphia. The Tunisian champions must improve their attacking output to exploit LAFC's vulnerable defense and claim victory.
Here is Sports Illustrated's preview of this Club World Cup encounter.
What Time Does LAFC vs. ES Tunis Kick-Off?
LAFC vs. ES Tunis Head-to-Head Record
This marks the inaugural competitive fixture between LAFC and ES Tunis.
Current Form (All Competitions)
LAFC | ES Tunis |
|---|---|
Chelsea 2–0 LAFC – 6/16/25 | Flamengo 2–0 ES Tunis – 6/17/25 |
LAFC 3–1 Sporting Kansas City – 6/9/25 | ES Tunis 1–0 Stade Tunisien – 6/1/25 |
LAFC 2–1 Club América – 6/1/25 | Ben Guerdane 0–3 ES Tunis – 5/25/25 |
CF Montréal 2–2 LAFC – 5/25/25 | ES Tunis 3–1 Zarzis – 5/18/25 |
LA Galaxy 2–2 LAFC – 5/19/25 | ES Tunis 0–0 Monastir – 5/15/25 |
How to Watch LAFC vs. ES Tunis on TV
Country | TV Channel/Live Stream |
|---|---|
United Kingdom | DAZN |
United States | DAZN |
Canada | DAZN |
Mexico | DAZN, tabii |
LAFC Team News
Steve Cherundolo will probably be missing winger Nathan Ordaz after the El Salvador international was withdrawn during the opening half of the Chelsea defeat due to a head injury. His substitute from the opener, David Martínez, is expected to take his place in the starting eleven.
Olivier Giroud entered the match at halftime during the loss against his previous club Chelsea and should earn a starting role over Jeremy Ebobisse. Nevertheless, these two forward adjustments are expected to be the only modifications for LAFC.
LAFC Predicted Lineup vs. ES Tunis
LAFC predicted lineup vs. ES Tunis (4-2-3-1): Lloris; Palencia, Long, Segura, Hollingshead; Delgado, Jesus; Martínez, Tillman, Bouanga; Giroud.
ES Tunis Team News
Maher Kanzari deployed his strongest squad against Flamengo and has limited options for changes. He made quick substitutions against the Brazilian team but may stick with the same starting formation against LAFC.
Creative attacking play will be the challenge for ES Tunis, who struggled in the attacking third during their last outing. They require better performances from Brazilian pair Rodrigo Rodrigues and Yan Sasse, while Algerian winger Youcef Belaïli could also pose a major threat if he finds his top form.
ES Tunis Predicted Lineup vs. LAFC
ES Tunis predicted lineup vs. LAFC (4-3-3): Ben Saïd; Ben Ali, Tougai, Meriah, Ben Hamida; Guenichi, Ogbelu, Jbeli; Sasse, Rodrigues, Belaïli.
LAFC vs. ES Tunis Score Prediction
Both teams failed to display their optimal performance on Matchday 1, but Friday's clash will be much more competitive between two fairly well-matched opponents. With home support behind them, LAFC will hold a slight edge though.
Despite an inconsistent defensive record—LA has managed only three clean sheets since early April—they should possess sufficient attacking strength to outgun their rivals and win a close encounter.