Real Salt Lake and LA Galaxy will clash in the Western Conference this Thursday as the division witnesses a possible huge shake up this week with Seattle Sounders' lead at the top gradually being cut away.
The Sounders are leading the Western table once again, however, their impressive lead has been slashed to just five points over the Galaxy in third, who also have a game in hand over the league leaders.
Like and RT to win this #LAGalaxy warmup top ✨ pic.twitter.com/ga4SPJFjfG— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) July 20, 2021
Like and RT to win this #LAGalaxy warmup top ✨ pic.twitter.com/ga4SPJFjfG
Should Greg Vanney’s men reign supreme over the Claret and Cobalt, they could be on their way to something special.
It hasn’t, however, been plain sailing for the California side, as they have been heavily reliant on Javier Hernandez for points and goals so far.
In fact, the ex-Manchester United man has 10 goals from 10 games to this point for the Galaxy, which nobody else in the division can rival.
To put this in perspective, Rayan Raveloson and Sacha Kljestan are the club’s next top scorers with just two goals each, showing clear importance to the Mexican. So, if Vanney’s side are to win, Hernandez must turn up.
Despite this exceptional form from an elite striker, the five-time MLS Cup champions have lost five times already in the MLS and won eight, drawing none.
This means they have lost more than anyone inside the playoff spots, besides Portland Timbers, who have been defeated six times.
As for Salt Lake, they have made a steady climb up the Western Conference ever since they lost to the Sounders back in late June. Since then, despite losing to LAFC recently, they have picked up seven from their last 12.
This has put Freddy Juarez’s men on the cusp of breaking into the playoffs, and a win over the Galaxy should get them there, depending on other results.
However, their form couldn't be more unpredictable and topsy-turvy if it tried, as they have lost four, won four and drawn four from their 12 games thus far.
RSL have managed to score 19 times in this period, though, putting them as the fourth top scorers in the Western table, which only the top three - including the Galaxy - can better.
With this said, we do expect a goal from Juarez's side, given how the California outfit have let in 20 from 13 games ahead of this clash.
However, with Hernandez up top and just four wins from 12 for the home side, we believe the Galaxy will get the job done here once again and edge closer to the Sounders' throne.