LA Galaxy Real Salt Lake match preview

With the Galaxy attack shut out in back to back games, how will LA respond on the road vs. Real Salt Lake in a match that's a must-win for both teams? (Saturday 6:30 pm, Time Warner Cable SportsNet and Deportes)

For the LA Galaxy, three points would greatly improve the team's playoff positioning and Supporters Shield chances, setting up a major showdown at the StubHub Center vs. FC Dallas next week. Meanwhile, following a 3-1 steamrolling of the Dynamo in Houston over the weekend, RSL will be desperate to win just to stay in the playoff hunt.

LA should be back to a full strength lineup as Giovani Dos Santos has been cleared to play vs. RSL, and Leonardo returns to the lineup after serving a red card suspension.

However, the Galaxy defense is set to face a wild card in newly acquired RSL Designated Player Juan Martinez. Nicknamed "El Burrito", the Argentine midfielder had an instrumental hand in RSL's demolition of the Dynamo, playing a key role in all three of their goals. Not only did Real Salt Lake look completely different in attack, but with just a single start to his name, the Galaxy may have a difficult game scouting Martinez ahead of time.

Real Salt Lake has to win on Saturday, so if RSL need to chase a goal late, look for the team to push high, which will naturally provide the Galaxy with dangerous counter-attacking opportunities.