Some of the best matches in the history of the MLS have pitted the Seattle Sounders against the LA Galaxy. These two rivals will meet for the last time in the regular season on Sunday, though we doubt it is the last time these two will exchange pleasantries in 2015 with the playoffs looming.
ODDS ANALYSIS
There are no odds posted for this match as of the publication of this article, but you can bet that the proceedings are going to be very tight. It would be shocking to see either club favored by an odds-on margin.
The Galaxy have taken over the top spot in the West and are the only team sitting on 50 points in the MLS. However, they still have a lot of work to do if they are going to claim that top spot, knowing that they are two points up on Vancouver but have played one more match and are three points up on FC Dallas, who has played two fewer fixtures.
The Sounders are only four points back of the Galaxy as well, while both teams have three duels left to decide this season. Seattle is still worried about just getting into the playoffs, as it is just three points clear of San Jose, the first team on the wrong side of the postseason cut line.
Three points for the Galaxy will clinch a postseason berth, though if San Jose doesn't win this week, a playoff spot will be locked up before this match is played.
KEY INJURIES
The only real injury concern for the Galaxy heading into this week is that of Baggio Husidic. He has been dealing with a leg problem of late and is considered questionable for the affair. Brian Perk is still sitting out thanks to a fractured ankle.
The Sounders won't have Roman Torres, Andres Correa or Andy Craven for this fixture, but there are no superstars on this injury list either.
QUOTE TO NOTE
"We're at the business end of the season, and it's all about three points and not about individuals, tallies and who gets what, but it's about the team getting three points." – Galaxy midfielder Steven Gerrard when asked about breaking a goalless drought against FC Dallas last weekend
RECENT FORM
The Galaxy were in tough form heading into a crucial match with FC Dallas last week, but they got the job done and walked away with a 3-2 victory to stop the bleeding of a three-match winless streak.
Seattle, unbeaten in five in a row, did only manage a point at Sporting Park last weekend in a 1-1 draw. The Sounders have scored at least one goal in all five of these matches.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
The Sounders are just so darn tough to beat in this building, and a 10-4-1 mark here proves just that. This is just the third time that Seattle is opening up the entire stadium at CenturyLink Field, and they are expecting every single seat to have a green and blue shirt in it.
There's a lot going for Seattle in this fixture. Obafemi Martens knows that he has to be at its best, and he has made it a personal challenge to score for the first time in his career against the Galaxy. Clint Dempsey, who hasn't played in a game yet this year against LA, has always been a thorn in his rivals' side as well.
Yes, the Galaxy are fantastic, and yes, they are very likely going to end up being the toughest out in the postseason, but this just feels like a day when the hot Sounders prove that they are back and are forces to be reckoned with as well.
Seattle 2, LA 1
BookMaker has live MLS odds for every clash of the season. BookMaker is also going to have multiple betting options available for this nationally-televised match. Live wagering during the match offers an adjusted moneyline, total and spread. Log in and start gambling during the soccer match now!
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