LA Galaxy will be keen to further solidify their standing at the top of MLS Western Conference when they take on Atlanta United this weekend.
LA Galaxy will look to extend their lead at the top of the Western Conference in MLS when they host Atlanta United on Saturday at Dignity Health Sports Park. With eight regular-season matches remaining, the Galaxy currently hold a two-point advantage over Los Angeles FC, having secured a 3-2 victory against the Portland Timbers in their last league outing.
Meanwhile, Atlanta United sit just above the Eastern Conference playoff line, following a 2-1 win over Columbus Crew in their most recent domestic fixture. After a disappointing exit from the Leagues Cup in the round of 32 against the Seattle Sounders (3-1), LA Galaxy’s focus has shifted back to the MLS campaign, where they are keen to secure home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
With Los Angeles FC holding three games in hand and Real Salt Lake just five points behind, Greg Vanney’s side knows that every point is crucial as they approach the final stretch of the season.
The Galaxy have been in strong form at Dignity Health Sports Park, winning three consecutive home league matches. They share the distinction of having the most home victories in MLS this year, with nine wins to their name. A win on Saturday would elevate their points tally to 52, the highest since Vanney took charge in 2021, and would match their best total since 2016.
Offensively, LA Galaxy have been particularly effective at home, scoring three or more goals in six matches at Dignity Health Sports Park this season. Impressively, they have found the back of the net in every home game, underscoring their attacking prowess. Additionally, the Galaxy are unbeaten in their last four regular-season home games against Eastern Conference opponents since a 1-0 loss to Charlotte FC in May 2023.
Atlanta United, on the other hand, face an uphill battle to turn their season around, with nine matches left to salvage what has been a disappointing campaign by their standards. Despite being one of the highest-spending teams in the league, the Five Stripes have struggled, suffering 11 domestic defeats—two more than last season.
Under interim head coach Rob Valentino, Atlanta have managed just one away victory in MLS this season, a 1-0 win over DC United. However, they have lost their last three league matches on the road, which adds to their challenges. Despite this, the team is on a two-game unbeaten streak in MLS play and will be looking to match their longest winning run of the regular season with a positive result on Saturday.
Atlanta United have also shown resilience, collecting seven points this season after conceding the first goal, though they have yet to win an away match after falling behind. Historically, Atlanta have enjoyed success against the Galaxy, winning three of their four all-time meetings without conceding a goal.
However, their previous visit to Dignity Health Sports Park in 2022 ended in a 2-0 defeat. The Hard Tackle delves into the potential elevens and tactics for this highly-anticipated clash.
Team News & Tactics
LA Galaxy
In their Leagues Cup defeat against Seattle, LA Galaxy were without their top scorer Dejan Joveljic, who missed the match due to a hamstring strain. Additionally, Julian Aude is currently dealing with a groin issue, and Gaston Brugman remains questionable with a knee injury.
Despite these setbacks, the Galaxy have strengthened their squad by signing former Borussia Dortmund captain Marco Reus, who joined last Thursday on a contract through to 2026. In their previous MLS match against the Portland Timbers, Gabriel Pec, Riqui Puig, and Joseph Paintsil each found the back of the net, securing a narrow victory and keeping the Galaxy on top of the Western Conference.
LA Galaxy are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with John McCarthy starting in goal, providing his experience and reliability between the posts. The backline will likely consist of Kosuke Yamane at right-back, Martín Cáceres and Maya Yoshida forming the central defensive partnership, and Callum Nelson occupying the left-back position, contributing to both defensive duties and attacking support.
In midfield, Mark Delgado and Edwin Cerrillo are expected to operate as the two holding midfielders, tasked with shielding the defence and facilitating transitions to attack. Ahead of them, Gabriel Pec will play on the right wing, Riqui Puig will take up the central attacking midfield role, and Daniel Berry will occupy the left wing.
This trio will be responsible for creating chances and supporting the forward line. Leading the attack as the lone striker will be Joseph Paintsil, who will be aiming to continue his goal-scoring form and provide a focal point for the Galaxy’s offensive efforts.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): McCarthy; Yamane, Caceres, Yoshida, Nelson; Delgado, Cerrillo; Pec, Puig, Berry; Paintsil
Atlanta United
In their previous Leagues Cup match against Santos Laguna, Edwin Mosquera made his return to the field for Atlanta United after recovering from a knee injury, coming on as a substitute for Tristan Muyumba in the second half. This week, Atlanta United’s big summer signing, Aleksei Miranchuk, trained with the team for the first time, adding excitement for his potential impact.
Meanwhile, veteran midfielder Dax McCarty has announced his plans to retire at the end of the current campaign. Stian Rode Gregersen was the hero in Atlanta’s last MLS match against Columbus, scoring two second-half goals to secure a comeback victory for the Five Stripes.
Atlanta United are expected to line up in a 4-3-3 formation, with Brad Guzan starting in goal, providing leadership and experience as the team’s last line of defence. The back four will likely consist of Brooks Lennon at right-back, Stian Rode Gregersen and Miles Robinson forming the central defensive partnership, and Ronald Hernández at left-back, offering both defensive stability and attacking support.
In midfield, Matheus Rossetto will take up the right central midfield role, Amar Sejdic is expected to operate as the central midfielder, and Bartosz Slisz will occupy the left central midfield position. This trio will be responsible for controlling the tempo of the game, breaking up opposition play, and linking up with the attack.
The front three will see Zuriko Davitashvili on the right wing, Jamal Thiare playing as the central striker, and Tyler Wolff on the left wing. This attacking trio will be tasked with creating and finishing scoring opportunities as Atlanta United look to secure a positive result on the road.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Guzan; Lennon, Gregersen, Williams, Hernandez; Firmino, Fortune, Slisz; Lobzhanidze, Thiare, Wolff
Ways to Watch
Key Stats
- LA Galaxy have been formidable at Dignity Health Sports Park, winning three consecutive home league matches and scoring three or more goals in six home games this season.
- LA Galaxy have not been held scoreless at home all season.
- Under interim head coach Rob Valentino, Atlanta United have managed just one away win in MLS this season, a 1-0 victory over DC United. They have lost their last three away league matches.
- A win will see LA Galaxy retain their spot at the top of MLS Western Conference.
Player to Watch
Joseph Paintsil
Paintsil is set to be the player to watch in this crucial MLS Western Conference clash between LA Galaxy and Atlanta United. Paintsil has been a standout performer for the Galaxy, bringing creativity, pace, and goal-scoring ability to the team’s attack. His dynamic style of play has made him a constant threat in the final third, and he has already shown a knack for finding the back of the net in key moments.
In a game where LA Galaxy will be looking to extend their lead at the top of the Western Conference, Paintsil’s role becomes even more critical. With the absence of Dejan Joveljic, the team’s top scorer, Paintsil’s ability to step up and deliver in front of goal will be essential. His versatility allows him to play both on the wing and centrally, making him difficult for defenders to mark and giving the Galaxy multiple attacking options.
Furthermore, Paintsil’s understanding with midfield maestro Riqui Puig and his ability to exploit spaces behind the defence could be the key to breaking down an Atlanta United side that has struggled on the road. As LA Galaxy pushes for another victory to solidify their position in the conference, all eyes will be on Paintsil to see if he can continue his impressive form and lead his team to success.
Prediction
LA Galaxy 2-1 Atlanta United
Throughout the season, LA Galaxy’s offensive strength has been a key factor in their success, and this weekend’s match is likely to follow that trend. Facing an Atlanta United team that has shown inconsistency in defence, the Galaxy’s firepower should give them the edge. We expect a competitive, high-scoring game, but with LA Galaxy’s attacking depth, they should be able to secure a close one goal win.