LA Galaxy will be keen to retain the top spot in MLS Western Conference when they take on the Houston Dynamo this weekend.
With both Houston Dynamo and LA Galaxy securing spots in the MLS playoffs, the final regular-season match at Shell Energy Stadium promises to be an intense encounter. LA Galaxy, currently at the top of the Western Conference standings, will look to cement their position as the No. 1 seed, while the Dynamo have their sights set on securing a higher finish in the table.
Houston Dynamo come into this match in fifth place in the Western Conference, with 51 points. They have shown solid home form throughout the season, with just one loss in their last 11 home matches. However, their most recent away fixture saw them fall 3-0 to St. Louis, a defeat that could serve as a wake-up call ahead of this critical match. Ben Olsen’s side has been tough to break down at home, and they will aim to maintain that fortress-like mentality against a high-flying LA Galaxy side.
For LA Galaxy, this match could see them clinch the top seed in the Western Conference. Currently leading the standings, they need just a draw to secure that position outright, but a loss could open the door for Los Angeles FC to snatch the top spot. Greg Vanney’s men are on a three-match winning streak and have shown their firepower with 15 goals in their last five games. Despite this, Galaxy’s away form remains a concern, having lost three of their last four road games.
With both teams having already booked their playoff places, this match-up may serve as a preview of postseason battles to come. Expect plenty of action as both sides aim to finish their regular-season campaigns on a high. The Hard Tackle delves into the potential elevens and tactics for this highly-anticipated clash.
Team News & Tactics
Houston Dynamo
Houston Dynamo will be without Franco Escobar for this match after the Argentine right-back received a second yellow card in their defeat to St Louis. Escobar’s suspension adds to the team’s growing list of absentees, which already includes Daniel Steres, Amine Bassi, Hector Herrera, Lawrence Ennali, and Nelson Quinones, all out due to injuries.
Head coach Ben Olsen is likely to field a 4-3-3 formation, with Steve Clark taking his place between the posts. Griffin Dorsey is expected to start at right-back, with Erik Sviatchenko and Ethan Bartlow forming the central defensive partnership, while Tate Schmitt could occupy the left-back position.
In midfield, Adalberto Carrasquilla, Artur, and Brooklyn Raines are set to be the trio tasked with controlling the game. The attack should see Ibrahim Aliyu and Sebastián Kowalczyk on the wings, with Aliyu on the right and Kowalczyk on the left, while Ezequiel Ponce is expected to lead the line as the centre-forward.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Clark; Dorsey, Sviatchenko, Bartlow, Schmitt; Carrasquilla, Artur, Raines; Aliyu, Ponce, Kowalczyk
LA Galaxy
LA Galaxy will be without Mark Delgado for this match, as the midfielder is suspended after reaching the yellow card threshold in their victory over Austin before the international break. Additionally, veteran defender Martin Caceres is likely to miss the remainder of the season due to a knee injury, while midfielder Marco Reus remains doubtful with a thigh strain.
Greg Vanney is expected to deploy a 4-3-3 formation, with John McCarthy in goal. The back four should consist of Miki Yamane at right-back, Carlos Emiro Garces and Maya Yoshida as the central defenders, and John Nelson at left-back.
In midfield, Edwin Cerrillo will take on a deeper role, shielding the defence, while Gastón Brugman and Riqui Puig will be more involved in the team’s creative play. Up front, Gabriel Pec is set to feature on the right wing, Dejan Joveljic will likely spearhead the attack as the central striker, and Joseph Paintsil should start on the left wing.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): McCarthy; Yamane, Garces, Yoshida, Nelson; Cerrillo, Brugman, Puig; Pec, Joveljic, Paintsil
Ways to Watch
Key Stats
- Houston Dynamo have been resilient at Shell Energy Stadium, losing just once in their last 11 home matches. They have won two and drawn two of their last four home games, making them tough opponents on their turf.
- LA Galaxy have won only three of their last 11 away matches. Additionally, they have lost three of their previous four games on the road, which could be a concern heading into this fixture.
- Despite their inconsistent away form, LA Galaxy have been prolific in attack, scoring 15 goals in their last five MLS matches. They enter this game on a three-match winning streak.
- While strong at home, Houston Dynamo have conceded three goals in each of their last two away matches, including a 3-0 defeat to St Louis in their last outing. This could pose a problem against a high-scoring Galaxy side.
- LA Galaxy have been dominant in recent meetings with Houston Dynamo, winning the last two encounters between the sides. This includes a 2-1 victory earlier this season.
Player to Watch
Riqui Puig
Riqui Puig has been a key figure for LA Galaxy throughout the season, consistently dictating play from the midfield with his creative vision and technical abilities. As the team’s primary playmaker, Puig is instrumental in setting up chances for his teammates and contributing to their high-scoring performances.
His excellent ball control, passing range, and ability to operate in tight spaces make him a constant threat in the final third. With Galaxy aiming to secure the top seed in the Western Conference, Puig’s influence on the game will be crucial in breaking down Houston Dynamo’s defence and driving his side towards a positive result.
Prediction
Houston Dynamo 1-2 LA Galaxy
With both teams already assured of playoff spots, this match is more about final positioning, particularly for LA Galaxy, who are aiming to secure the top seed in the Western Conference. Houston Dynamo’s strong home form makes them a tough opponent, having lost just once in their last 11 home matches. However, LA Galaxy have shown impressive firepower recently, scoring 15 goals in their last five league games.
Given Galaxy’s attacking form and Houston’s resilience at home, this game could be closely contested. While Houston will be eager to spoil Galaxy’s plans, Greg Vanney’s side should have enough quality to at least secure a point and potentially clinch the top spot.
