Sounders Match Preview: LA Galaxy at Home on Wednesday, October 4th

Head to Head

This season, Seattle and LA have faced each other twice, once in league play and once in the US Open Cup. In April, the Sounders beat LA 2-1 in a league match, where Leo Chu got a goal and an assist. In May, LA beat Seattle 3-1 in the US Open Cup, effectively knocking the Sounders out of the competition. All time, both the Sounders and Galaxy have 15 wins apiece against one another, alongside 12 draws. We'll have to wait and see if one team will take the H2H edge on Wednesday night.

Getting Familiar with LA

This Galaxy squad is seemingly underachieving this season, mainly due to injuries which have banged up many of their typical starters. They'll be looking thin versus the Sounders, but that's not to say they won't put up a fight.

Riqui Puig, Martin Cáceres, Chicharito, and Gaston Brugman are among the biggest names who are/likely out for this match. While those are big blows, the Galaxy have had no issues finding the back of the net in recent matches, thanks to the help of Douglas Costa and Billy Sharp up top.

Scoring 10 goals in their last 3 matches LA's offense is buzzing, but they've conceded 9 goals in the same time frame. With Seattle's solid back line and creative capabilities moving up the pitch recently, this match will likely be lower scoring than what the Galaxy have been used to as of late.

How The Sounders Can Get A Result

The Sounders must keep playing the same way they have in the last 6 or so matches. Last match was a strong showing, especially with the large absences the squad faced. This time around with Morris, Rusnak, and Nouhou back in the mix, I expect more chance creation and yet another solid defensive performance.

It will be interesting to see what changes are made to the lineup. I expect Morris and Nouhou to start, and if Rusnak doesn't, then he'll likely make a substitute appearance. Other than that, we should see a similar lineup to Saturday, perhaps with a couple other players rotated in/out for fitness reasons.

Seattle can get a result if they keep applying pressure on the wings, as the Galaxy's defense shows some weakness. We know this defense can stay solid and provide ample protection for Frei and his net, especially coming off a clean sheet versus a good Nashville attack.

While I'm somewhat reluctant to say this, the Sounders can win if they simply play their game. Get Chu the ball on the left wing and let him progress into the box, while the Christian and Alex whip crosses in from the right. With enough of this playstyle at a good pace, LA's defense won't be able to keep up.

What to Look Out For

1) Jordan Morris: With his return after his wife gave birth (many congratulations), Morris' much needed finishing and physicality will be back in the squad. Last week was rough with the club's C and D options making appearances up top. Don't be surprised if Morris gets at least one goal involvement against LA.

2) Douglas Costa vs. Nouhou: Brazilian international Douglas Costa will likely be matching up against Nouhou on the right wing. If this comes to fruition in the match, keep an eye out for it, as it will be a matchup with tons of physicality and speed. Costa has been putting up great performances with the Galaxy's lacking squad and he could certainly send one in the back of the net against the Sounders.

My Prediction

With some more creativity, physicality, and finishing ability back on the pitch since the last match, I'd be shocked if the Sounders were shut out again. This all coupled with LA Galaxy's banged up and weak squad, all signs are pointing to a Sounders win. But can they actually win when it's desperately needed?

Prediction: 2-0 Sounders Win with goals from Morris and Rusnak

What's your prediction for Wednesday evening in Seattle? Will the Sounders win, draw, or lose and why? Let us know in the comment section below.