LA Galaxy will have their eye on finishing top in MLS Western Conference when they welcome Austin FC on Saturday night.
Los Angeles Galaxy will be aiming to edge closer to securing the top spot in the MLS Western Conference when they host Austin FC at Dignity Health Sports Park on Sunday. Both teams are coming off wins in their previous matches, and they will be eager to maintain that momentum in this crucial encounter.
Galaxy displayed an attacking clinic in the second half of their recent match against the Colorado Rapids, overturning a deficit to claim a 3-1 victory. Gabriel Pec’s goal, his third in as many games, along with a Riqui Puig brace after half-time, powered Greg Vanney’s side to victory, keeping them within reach of overtaking LAFC at the top of the Western Conference.
Since their exit from the Leagues Cup at the hands of Seattle Sounders in the round of 32, LA Galaxy has rediscovered their scoring form, netting at least two goals in five of their last six games, with a total of 16 goals in that span. However, defensive issues persist, as they’ve only managed to keep one clean sheet during this period, which may be a concern as the playoffs draw nearer.
Historically, LA Galaxy have enjoyed success against Austin FC, winning four of the first five encounters between the teams. However, they have struggled in recent meetings, failing to win in their last three match-ups, including two defeats in 2024, with a combined score of 5-1.
On the other hand, Austin FC managed to keep their slim playoff hopes alive with a gritty 1-0 win over the Portland Timbers at Providence Park. Daniel Pereira’s decisive strike three minutes before halftime ensured that Josh Wolff’s side secured a vital three points in a close contest in Oregon.
That victory snapped a winless streak of five matches, which had severely dented Austin’s playoff ambitions. Despite sitting six points outside of the playoff positions with two games left, the team still harbours faint hopes of a postseason berth.
Austin’s defence has been a bright spot, with only two Western Conference sides—Seattle Sounders and LAFC—conceding fewer goals this season. However, their league-low tally of 35 goals scored has been a significant obstacle in climbing up the standings.
Following this match, Austin will conclude their regular season with a home game against the Colorado Rapids, while LA Galaxy will face Houston Dynamo in their final game. The Hard Tackle delves into the potential elevens and tactics for this highly-anticipated clash.
Team News & Tactics
LA Galaxy
LA Galaxy are set to deploy a 4-3-3 formation under the guidance of Greg Vanney. John McCarthy is expected to stand between the posts, bringing his experience and reliability to the backline. John Nelson will likely take up the right-back position, offering both defensive stability and attacking support down the flank.
At the heart of the defence, veteran Maya Yoshida will partner with the promising Carlos Emiro Garces, providing a strong presence at the heart of the defence. On the left side, Miki Yamane will be tasked with covering the left-back position, adding balance to the defence while also offering width in attack when necessary.
As for the midfield, the creative and influential Riqui Puig will be central to LA Galaxy’s game plan, orchestrating attacks and controlling the tempo. Edwin Cerrillo is expected to play a more defensive role in the midfield trio, breaking up opposition play and shielding the back four. Alongside them, Mark Delgado will provide energy and box-to-box running, linking defence and attack efficiently.
The front three will be led by Dejan Joveljic, who will spearhead the attack as the main striker, looking to make the most of his opportunities in front of goal. Gabriel Pec and Joseph Paintsil will flank Joveljic on the wings, with both players in fine form, having scored in recent matches. Pec and Paintsil will be expected to provide width, pace, and goalscoring threat.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): McCarthy; Nelson, Yoshida, Garces, Yamane; Puig, Cerrillo, Delgado; Pec, Joveljic, Paintsil
Austin FC
Austin FC are likely to set up in a 4-4-2 formation, with Brad Stuver in goal, providing a solid presence between the posts. In defence, Guilherme Biro is expected to play as the right-back, offering both defensive cover and overlapping runs in attack. At the heart of the defence, Oleksandr Svatok will partner Julio Cascante, forming a reliable central pairing, while Jon Gallagher will take up the left-back role, adding both width and stability on the left flank.
As for the midfield, Sebastian Driussi is expected to provide the creative spark from the right, combining with the more defensive-minded Daniel Pereira and Hector Jimenez, who will aim to dominate the central areas and disrupt LA Galaxy’s build-up play. On the left side of midfield, Osman Bukari will bring pace and directness to Austin’s wide play, creating opportunities for the forward line.
Up front, the experienced Gyasi Zardes will return to the starting XI and will lead the line alongside Diego Rubio. Zardes, known for his intelligent movement and physical presence, will look to capitalize on any defensive errors, while Rubio will provide an additional attacking threat with his speed and positioning. This forward duo will be key to Austin FC’s approach in trying to unlock LA Galaxy’s defence.
Probable Lineup (4-4-2): Stuver; Guilherme, Svatok, Cascante, Gallagher; Driussi, Pereira, Jimenez, Bukari; Zardes, Rubio
Ways to Watch
Key Stats
- LA Galaxy have dominated the head-to-head, winning four of their first five clashes against Austin FC. However, they are winless in their last three encounters with Austin, losing twice in 2024 by a combined score of 5-1.
- LA Galaxy have scored at least two goals in five of their last six MLS matches since returning from the Leagues Cup, accumulating 16 goals in total during that period.
- Austin FC have the third-best defensive record in the Western Conference, conceding just 44 goals this season. However, their struggles have come at the other end of the pitch, where they have only scored 35 goals – the lowest tally in the division.
- Despite their strong scoring form, LA Galaxy have only managed to keep one clean sheet in their last six MLS matches, highlighting a vulnerability at the back that Austin FC could look to exploit.
Player to Watch
Dejan Joveljic
Dejan Joveljic will be a key player for LA Galaxy in this matchup against Austin FC. The Serbian forward has consistently shown his ability to lead the line with his sharp finishing and intelligent movement in the final third. With LA Galaxy’s attack in great form, Joveljic’s knack for finding spaces in and around the box will be crucial to breaking down Austin’s strong defense.
Given Austin’s defensive record, Joveljic’s positioning and finishing ability will be vital for the Galaxy to capitalise on any opportunities that come their way. His contributions could very well be the difference maker in this important fixture as LA Galaxy look to secure a top finish in the Western Conference.
Prediction
LA Galaxy 2-1 Austin FC
Given LA Galaxy’s attacking prowess and recent form, especially at home, they are likely to edge this encounter. While Austin FC’s defence has been solid, their struggles in front of goal may hold them back from overcoming a strong home side. Galaxy’s firepower, led by players like Gabriel Pec and Riqui Puig, should be enough to secure a narrow victory as they push for the top spot in the Western Conference.
