Los Angeles Galaxy's search for their first victory of the season will continue on Saturday when they welcome Austin FC to Dignity Health Sports Park.
The visitors also find themselves in the bottom half of the Major League Soccer Western Conference, with both teams looking to kick-start their campaigns properly.
Match preview
LA Galaxy have had a difficult start to the new campaign having picked up just three points from their first seven fixtures, with all of those being gained via draws.
Only goal difference is keeping them off the foot of the table right now, which is placing plenty of pressure on Greg Vanney, especially after their derby-day loss during their most recent outing.
LA Galaxy put up a fight against Los Angeles FC, but Marco Delgado's 80th-minute goal proved to be too little too late as their rivals ended up winning the game 3-2.
However, it was a sign that Vanney is improving a major problem within his team which has been scoring goals, as the squad had only found the back of the net three times prior to that match.
Fortunately for LA Galaxy, four of those have taken place at home where they seemingly have more attacking confidence which they will need to implement this weekend.
However, the visitors are heading into this match off the back of keeping a clean sheet in their previous game which should have given them a defensive boost.
That match against Vancouver Whitecaps ultimately ended up goalless, but that was only their eighth point of the season, which has been inconsistent so far.
With two wins and two draws alongside three defeats, there is certainly room for improvement when it comes to upcoming performances from Austin FC, which they will be hoping to start this weekend.
Much like their opponents, the Verde and Black will need to improve defensively as that has been a sticking point for them in the early moments of this season.
Despite that, a win in this match could see Austin FC climb to sixth place depending on other results, which would allow them to start kicking on and looking up rather than over their shoulders.
Team News
Former Manchester United forward Javier Hernandez made his first start of the season for LA Galaxy last time out, and his experience could be called upon once again.
However at the other end of the field, Jonathan Bond remains sidelined due to a shoulder injury, but both Martin Caceres and Douglas Costa could be options following suspension.
After keeping a clean sheet against Vancouver Whitecaps it is unlikely there will be any defensive changes made for Austin FC, who should continue with a flat back four once more.
Unfortunately, the visitors will be without Zan Kolmanic for the entire season after he recently underwent surgery for an ACL injury that is going to rule him out for the remainder of the campaign.
Los Angeles Galaxy possible starting lineup:
Klinsmann; Calegari, Zavaleta, Neal, Edwards; Brugman; Alvarez, Delgado, Puig, Boyd; Chicharito
Austin FC possible starting lineup:
Stuver; Gallagher, Ring, Vaisanen, Lima; Wolff, Pereira; Rigoni, Driussi, Fagundez; Zardes
We say: Los Angeles Galaxy 0-2 Austin FC
LA Galaxy have had a miserable start to the new campaign, and that is something that could end up continuing this time out as their offensive struggles could prove an opening for Austin FC.
How to watch
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Previews by email
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