It’s been quite the nine months for the LA Galaxy. When they last faced the Sounders, they were punching their ticket for what would eventually become their sixth MLS Cup title. They followed that up by setting a MLS record by opening their season with a 16-game winless run. Over the past couple of months, they’ve righted that ship somewhat, playing at a solid 1.6 points-per game clip.

Here’s what you need to know:

Injury news

Sounders

OUT: Paul Arriola - Knee; Ryan Kent - Hamstring; Jordan Morris - Shoulder; João Paulo - Knee; Albert Rusnák - Hamstring

Galaxy

OUT: Riqui Puig - Knee

QUESTIONABLE: Garcés - Lower Leg

Opposition players to watch

Marco Reus: Although he hasn’t been the Riqui Puig replacement that they needed him to be, Reus has quietly been pretty darn good for at least the last couple of momths. He now has 6 goals and 7 assists this season, all of which have come in the last 14 games across all competitions. He is still a dangerous player with the ball at his feet.

Matheus Nascimento: The U22 forward started a little slow but has rounded into good form, especially since the Leagues Cup. Nascimento has 5 goals and 3 in his last 10 games. He’s a big body with good feet and dangerous around the box, a lot like Osaze De Rosario.

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Stats to look smart

1.5: The Galaxy hit rock bottom on May 28 when they 1-0 at home to the San Jose Earthquakes, leaving them winless and with just four points through the first 16 games of the season. But since then, they’ve claimed 12 points in eight games for a points-per game of 1.5. That’s probably not enough to get them back into the playoff race, but it should get them out of the Wooden Spoon.

2.0: The Sounders have gone nine games without a loss, which includes a six-game stretch in league play where they’ve claimed 12 points (2.0 PPG). If they can maintain this pace, there’s a good chance they’ll contend for the top spot in the Western Conference.

Tactics to impress

Give this to Greg Vanney: Even as the Galaxy season was spiraling out of control, he never really veered from his desired playing style. This is a team that will play out of a 4-3-3 and try to dominate through possession.
Ever since Club World Cup, the Sounders have gotten a little less dogmatic about holding possession and a bit more free to attack teams in transition. This has been a big part of why they are scoring at a clip of more than three goals per game over their last seven.