Seattle Sounders head into their fixture with Los Angeles Galaxy looking to extend their unbeaten record in the Western Conference to nine matches.
However, while the visitors currently top the standings, Galaxy will move level on points with their opponents if they can secure a positive result in California.
Match preview
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On the back of a lengthy unbeaten record and conceding just three goals, Sounders boss Brian Schmetzer can have few complaints with the start of the season.
Nevertheless, draws against Atlanta United and Austin FC have prevented the Washington-based side from storming clear at the top of the Western Conference.
While Atlanta have recently been on an upward trajectory, failure to overcome out-of-form Austin has put the club under pressure ahead of facing their next opponents.
Top goalscorer Raul Ruidiaz has netted just once in his last four outings, although Schetzer will be relieved that his star man was not required by Peru for the Copa America.
Sitting just three points adrift of the visitors with a game in hand, there is an argument that Galaxy have been the most impressive side in this division.
Each of their two defeats came by 3-0 scorelines, but Galaxy have shown enough at the other end of the pitch to suggest that they can remain a force throughout this campaign.
No Galaxy players have scored in the last two matches, however, with their 1-0 triumph over San Jose Earthquakes coming courtesy of an own goal.
Greg Vanney's outfit are one of just two MLS teams to still possess a 100% record at home, the other side being New England Revolution.
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Team News
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With three weeks having passed since their last fixture, Vanney will give consideration to selecting the same Galaxy starting lineup.
However, that will depend on the fitness of Jonathan Dos Santos, who has been carrying a calf problem in recent weeks.
Adam Saldana is an alternative in the centre of midfield if no risk are taken with the Mexico international.
Schmetzer will be forced into at least one alteration with defender Xavier Arreaga representing Ecuador at the Copa America.
Shane O'Neill should be named as his replacement in a back three in what may prove to be the only change to Sounders side.
Los Angeles Galaxy possible starting lineup:
Bond; Araujo, Steres, DePuy, Villafana; Santos, Kljestan; Dunbar, Alvarez, Cabral; Hernandez
Seattle Sounders possible starting lineup:
Cleveland; Gomez, O'Neill, Tolo; A.Roldan, Rowe, Paulo, Smith; C.Roldan; Montero, Ruidiaz
We say: Los Angeles Galaxy 1-1 Seattle Sounders
All things considered, the Sounders will regard this as their toughest match of the season to date. On the back of two draws, do not be surprised if they take a cautious approach to this contest, potentially earning a third point in succession.
Top tip
Data Analysis
Our analysis of all available data, including recent performances and player stats up until an hour before kickoff, suggested the most likely outcome of this match was a Seattle Sounders win with a probability of 41.13%. A win for Los Angeles Galaxy had a probability of 34.41% and a draw had a probability of 24.5%.
The most likely scoreline for a Seattle Sounders win was 1-2 with a probability of 8.81%. The next most likely scorelines for that outcome were 0-1 (8.11%) and 0-2 (6.29%). The likeliest Los Angeles Galaxy win was 2-1 (7.95%), while for a drawn scoreline it was 1-1 (11.35%). The actual scoreline of 1-2 was predicted with an 8.8% likelihood. Our data analysis correctly predicted a 1-2 win for Seattle Sounders in this match.
