Preview: Los Angeles Galaxy vs. Austin FC – Prediction, Team News, Lineups

Los Angeles Galaxy will try to get one step closer to the goal of reaching first place MLS Western Conference When Austin FC Visit Dignity Health Sports Park on Sunday.

Both teams emerged victorious from their respective last games and will look to pick up where they left off in this weekend's encounter.

Game preview

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Los Angeles Galaxy put on an attacking masterclass in the second half of their game against the Colorado Rapids to post a 3-1 comeback win at Dick's Sporting Goods Park on Thursday.

Gabriel Pecis the third goal in as many games and a Riqui Puig Double postponed after half time Greg VanneyThe Los Angeles men are within touching distance of pushing their city rivals Los Angeles FC into first place in the West.

Since returning to MLS following their League Cup Round of 32 exit against the Seattle Sounders, Los Angelinos have scored at least two goals in five of their six games and have scored an impressive 16 goals.

However, the Los Angeles Galaxy only managed to maintain a clean slate during that time, highlighting their need for defensive solidity as the playoffs grew ever closer.

Sunday's hosts emerged victorious in four of their first five meetings against the visitors, but remained winless in the following three games, including two defeats in 2024 by an aggregate score of 5-1.

© Imago

Thanks to a hard-fought 1-0 triumph over the Portland Timbers in Thursday's game at Providence Park, Austin FC barely kept its slim hopes of making the playoffs alive.

Daniel Pereira Three minutes before half-time he had the decisive moment of the game when he scored the first goal Josh Wolff's men took three points in a thrilling affair in Oregon.

This ended a fruitless run of five games without a win, which significantly derailed Los Verdes' playoff pursuit as they are now six points out of playoff contention heading into their penultimate appearance of the regular season.

Only the Seattle Sounders (34) and Los Angeles FC (41) have conceded fewer goals than Austin's 44, but with their division-low tally of 35 goals on the other hand, they are struggling to climb the table.

Sunday's visitors continue on the final day with a home game against the Colorado Rapids, while their hosts will take on the Houston Dynamo.

Los Angeles Galaxy Major League Soccer form:

Austin FC Major League Soccer form:

Team news

defender Martin Caceres He is not expected to play for the Los Angeles Galaxy again this season due to an Achilles tendon injury he suffered in August.

Riqui Puig and Gabriel Pec both scored in the hosts' last two games, making them one to keep an eye on this weekend.

Matt Bersano And Matt Hedges Austin FC is missing due to leg and hip injuries Mikkel Desler still struggling with a thigh problem.

Colombian Jader Obrian received his fifth yellow card of the season against the Portland Timbers and must therefore serve a one-game ban.

This could open the door for the 33-year-old to return to the team Gyasi Zardes after another cameo as a substitute last time out.

Los Angeles Galaxy possible starting lineup:
McCarthy; Nelson, Yoshida, Garces, Yamane; Puig, Cerrillo, Delgado; Pec, Joveljic, Paintsil

Possible Austin FC starting lineup:
Stuver; Guilherme, Svatok, Cascante, Gallagher; Driussi, Pereira, Jimenez, Bukari; Zardes, Rubio

We say: Los Angeles Galaxy 3:1 Austin FC

Los Angeles Galaxy are scoring for fun at the moment and it's hard to imagine them being denied all three points here.

We expect the home side to claim a relatively routine victory after the final whistle.

For data analysis of the most likely outcomes, scores and more for this game, please click here.

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