The Seattle Sounders host the LA Galaxy tonight in their penultimate home game of the season. These two teams are fighting at different ends of the playoff race. The Sounders can clinch tonight with a win (or with Minnesota losing) and the Galaxy need a win to even fight another day.

The Galaxy head into this one basically on the brink of extinction. Most of their best players are going to miss this match, one that is effectively a must-win for their playoff hopes. They won't technically be eliminated tonight with a loss, but spiritually speaking they are very much on the ropes. They're a desperate team on and off the field this season.

About six weeks ago, the Sounders were coming off a very disappointing Leagues Cup campaign and they followed that up with a really awful showing at home against Atlanta United. Since then, they've put together a very impressive unbeaten run and have wrestled back goodwill into their favor. They've done well and it would be really, really cool if they kept on keeping on.

One key stat

7 - The Sounders have played the LA Galaxy at home seven times since Brian Schmetzer became head coach. They’ve never lost any of those games (4-0-3).

Vibe check

I know I've generally been pretty pessimistic about this season but even I have to admit things are going well! They are on a six-game unbeaten run with five of those games happening on the road. They fought hard and deserve their flowers for it.

A win (and technically some other stuff without a win) can clinch the Sounders a playoff spot tonight. On top of that, the Galaxy are in a whole world of hurt (literally) and Seattle can make it worse. Who doesn't like beating the Galaxy at home?

How close to full strength is everyone?

The Sounders’ only significant injury is the one Raúl Ruidíaz is dealing with. Read more about that here.
The Galaxy injury list reads like that of an infirmary. They could be missing as many as six potential starters tonight, many of them to season-ending ailments.