LA Galaxy v Montreal Impact Match Preview

The LA Galaxy will return from their bye-week to face the Montreal Impact in a cross-conference match-up that means just as much for LA's Supporters Shield hopes as it does for Montreal's quest for a playoff spot (8:30 PM PT, MLS Live, TWCSN, TWC Deportes).

These two clubs have only faced off three times before in MLS action, with a pair of draws in Montreal and an 1-0 LA win in Carson the only history between these teams separated by conference and country borders.

Before the bye-week, LA suffered a 1-0 defeat at the hands of the San Jose Earthquakes, which ended a run of four games during which the Galaxy bested their opponents.

With a week of rest under their belts and a lineup that was spared the burdens of international call-ups by a timely bye-week, the Galaxy will undoubtedly be looking to return to their winning ways.

For Montreal, this weekend's match is all about making the most of their remaining games in hand, which means capitalizing on the momentum they gained from their last match.

After a winless skid that lasted four matches, Montreal pulled themselves out of their slump largely due to the work of Didier Drogba, who notched a hat trick on the way to a 4-3 victory over the Chicago Fire. The result sent the Impact into the final Eastern Conference playoff spot, and they are currently in a position where a playoff opportunity is theirs to lose.

However, building on that momentum and clinching a playoff berth is easier said than done when a trip to the StubHub Center is involved. The Galaxy have been lights-out at home, losing only once in MLS play in 2015.

This match should be a battle. Two teams who can almost taste the prospect of reaching their goals, two sets of in-form strikers, and a refreshed LA Galaxy side are three ingredients to a very tasty match.