LA Galaxy will be aiming to make it three wins in a row when they take on Austin on Saturday night.
MLS Western Conference leaders LA Galaxy are set to defend their top spot as they head to the Q2 Stadium for a rare afternoon showdown against Austin FC.
LA Galaxy made significant moves in the transfer window, securing several high-profile signings, and their investment is paying dividends. The team’s attack is firing on all cylinders, compensating for a backline that has shown vulnerabilities.
On the other hand, Austin FC currently sit in the eighth spot in the Western Conference, occupying a precarious playoff position. A couple of victories could propel them up the table, and they will be eager to build on their recent win against Houston Dynamo.
Interestingly, Austin FC boast a more solid backline compared to their illustrious visitors. Having conceded 13 goals this season, they have let in two fewer goals than LA Galaxy. With both teams known for their attacking prowess, goals are expected to flow at the Q2 Stadium on Saturday night.
With so much at stake for both sides, the match promises to be an exhilarating contest as they vie to outscore each other. Stay tuned as The Hard Tackle delves into the potential elevens and tactics for this highly-anticipated clash.
Team News & Tactics
Austin FC
Austin FC have experienced inconsistency this season, with three wins, three draws, and three losses in their nine games so far. Coach Josh Wolff will be hoping his side can produce a surprise result on Saturday against the Western Conference’s top team.
However, Austin may face challenges, with Owen Wolff and Leo Vaisanen both nursing knocks and are doubtful for the upcoming game. Even if they are deemed fit to play, they are likely to start on the bench.
A 4-2-3-1 formation seems to be the preferred tactical approach for Austin on the day. Brad Stuver is expected to start in goal, with a defensive line of Jon Gallagher, Julio Cascante, Brendan Hines-Ike, and Guilherme Biro in front of him.
In midfield, Alexander Ring and Daniel Pereira are likely to form the double pivot, providing stability in the middle of the park. This setup allows Jader Obrian, Sebastian Driussi, and Emiliano Rigoni the freedom to push forward and support the attack. Diego Rubio is expected to lead the line upfront.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Stuver; Gallagher, Cascante, Hines-Ike, Biro; Ring, Pereira; Obrian, Driussi, Rigoni; Rubio
LA Galaxy
For a side that finished 13th last season, LA Galaxy have made use of the transfer window to give themselves a proper boost. The attacking reinforcements have ensured the club have risen up the ranks and now are well placed to claim the Western Conference.
The clash against a free-flowing Austin FC attack should prove to be a good test for LA Galaxy. They will do so without Eriq Zavaleta, who is suspended, and Miki Yamane and Jalen Neal, both of whom are doubts for the game.
A 4-3-3 formation is the way forward, with John McCarthy in goal. He will be protected by the back four of Miki Yamane, Maya Yoshida, Martin Caceres, and Julian Aude.
Gaston Brugman should hold the fort in the middle of the park, with Riqui Puig and Mark Delgado alongside him in the midfield. Joseph Paintsil and Gabriel Pec should provide the width, with Dejan Joveljic starting upfront.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): McCarthy; Yamane, Yoshida, Caceres, Aude; Brugman, Puig, Delgado; Paintsil, Pec. Joveljic
Ways to Watch
- Apple TV, MLS Season Pass; FOX, FOX Deportes; TSN
Key Stats
- LA Galaxy have scored at least two goals in their last three games against Austin across all competitions.
- LA Galaxy have scored 21 goals this season in the MLS, a tally bettered only by Inter Miami.
- Only six teams across both Conferences have conceded more goals than LA Galaxy this season in the MLS.
- LA Galaxy have scored over 2.5 goals in 16 of their last 18 matches.
Player to Watch
Dejan Joveljic
The 24-year-old striker is set to spearhead the attack for LA Galaxy and has his sights set on asserting his dominance as the top goalscorer. Joveljic currently shares the lead in the race for the Golden Boot, having netted six goals in nine matches this season. Additionally, he has contributed two assists to his team’s cause.
Joveljic poses a formidable threat to opposing defences with his ability to find the back of the net consistently. With LA Galaxy’s prolific attacking prowess and San Jose’s vulnerability in defence, it would be unexpected if he does not add to his goal tally in the upcoming match.
Prediction
Austin FC 2-3 LA Galaxy
The game should be a goal fest between two teams who have less than formidable defences. LA Galaxy certainly have upped their quality and hold the edge on the day. So, The Hard Tackle predicts a win for the visitors.