Los Angeles Galaxy will secure a home tie in the first round of the MLS playoffs if they can beat already-eliminated Houston Dynamo on Sunday.
Galaxy currently sit in fourth place in the tight Western Conference and could finish anywhere between third and seventh depending on other results.
Match preview
© Reuters
Dynamo have had a tough season, and find themselves well out of the running for the top seven down in 13th.
They could still finish bottom of the conference if other results do not go their way to put the final nail into the coffin.
However, that being said, their form has improved recently, with three wins in their past six games and a small unbeaten run at home of two victories and a draw.
In their last game, they beat Galaxy's playoff rivals Nashville courtesy of two strikes from Carlos Ferreira, and were able to hold on despite Teenage Hadebe's late red card and Walker Zimmerman's strike.
The Texas team have the fourth-worst home record in the MLS this year but have only conceded 19 goals at PNC Stadium.
© Reuters
After missing the post-season in the past two seasons, Galaxy are getting ready to make their playoff return.
They have made themselves harder to beat in recent weeks, losing just once in their previous 10 games and going unbeaten in their past three.
Last weekend, Galaxy came from behind to draw with Real Salt Lake thanks to Douglas Costa's penalty in the second half at Dignity Health Sports Park, but Riqui Puig missed a penalty of his own.
Worryingly for the visitors this weekend, they have not kept an away clean sheet since May, and have conceded 50 times in the league this season.
Also a concern for Galaxy will be the reverse fixture earlier this season, when Houston left Los Angeles with a 3-0 victory, which could put some doubts into the heads of Greg Vanney's players.
All Galaxy need to concentrate on is getting the win, as that will guarantee them a home tie in the first round of the playoffs.
Team News
© Reuters
Tadebe will be suspended for the game in Texas after his red card last weekend so Sam Junqua could deputise for the Zimbabwean.
Hector Herrera could also come into the starting 11 in midfield, to replace Adalberto Carrasquilla.
Galaxy will not want to change too much for the final game of the season to build momentum ahead of the playoffs.
Left-back Raheem Edwards was replaced at half time in the draw with Real Salt Lake so might not be risked ahead of the post-season, meaning Chase Gasper would start in his place.
Kevin Cabral could come in on the right wing, to join Javier Hernandez and Douglas Costa up front for the away side.
Houston Dynamo possible starting lineup:
Clark; Dorsey, Parker, Junqua, Lundqvist; Herrera, Vera; Picault, Quintero, Baird; Ferreira
Los Angeles Galaxy possible starting lineup:
Bond; Araujo, Coulibaly, Caceres, Gasper; Delgado, Brugman, Puig; Costa, Hernandez, Cabral
We say: Houston Dynamo 0-2 Los Angeles Galaxy
Galaxy will be too strong for Dynamo in the end, and the desire to get that first round home game will propel them over the line in rather comfortable fashion.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Top tip
Previews by email
The 2023 MLS season is now up and running, and you can watch every game live with the MLS season pass on Apple TV. Click here for more details on how to subscribe.
