Thanks to Zlatan’s heroics, the grit of the rock-solid defense and Dom Kinnear’s Midas touch the LA Galaxy are on the brink of making the 2018 MLS Cup playoffs.

What to watch

David Bingham’s fitness. The Galaxy net minder suffered a knock at Minnesota and sat out Tuesday’s training session as a result.

Goalkeeper is the last position you want someone who isn’t moving around too well, but Bingham should be good to go.

LA in the early going. The Houston Dynamo have one away win this season and have basically tanked since winning the 2018 Open Cup. On paper this is an easy victory.

The circumstances of the game aren’t so simple. For the first match in some time the team is in the driver’s seat, even appearing relaxed. Kickoff is mid-day Sunday, the atmosphere is going to be electric, and LA need all three points.

The pressure will be there, but it’ll be a different kind of pressure. The Galaxy have to adjust, focus from the opening kickoff and get the job done as quickly as possible.

MVZ? There’s no doubt in our minds that if LA qualify for the postseason, Zlatan Ibrahimovic deserves to take home the Landon Donovan MVP trophy.

And of course, AJ DeLaGarza will probably make an appearance.

Predicted starting 11

How to Watch

Date/Time Oct. 28st, 1:30 p.m.
Venue Stubhub Center
TV Spectrum SportsNet & Deportes
Streaming (outside of LA) ESPN+

Officials

Referee Kevin Stott
ARs Apolinar Mariscal and Brian Poeschel
4th official Guido Gonzalez, Jr.
VAR Drew Fisher