The past two games, the LA Galaxy have faced elimination from postseason contention and responded on both occasions.

Ahead lies the biggest test yet: A tricky road match Saturday at Children’s Mercy Park. (5:30, Spectrum SportsNet) A tie is not the worst case scenario, but a win thrusts LA back into the 2018 MLS Cup playoff picture.

What to watch

A tale of two matchups. The Galaxy were soundly beaten at home to Sporting KC back in April, with Johnny Russell in particular tearing up the Galaxy back line.

However, the circumstances of that game were very different from this weekend’s momental clash. LA were emotionally spent from the first El Trafico, the team could neither defend nor attack, and perhaps most importantly Zlatan was still out of shape, with the big man relegated to an ineffective 28 minutes off the bench.

Who will replace Rolf Feltscher? The lock-down defender is suspended for Saturday due to yellow card accumulation. Sheanon Williams is a natural right back but has experienced scant playing time. Striker Gerso Fernandes gave Brooks Lennon fits last week, can LA afford to risk introducing Williams at such a critical juncture?

We could certainly see Sheanon at right back, but (unfortunately) a more likely option is to break up the successful Romney Steres center back pairing by shuffling Romney to right back and inserting Jorgen Skjelvik alongside Ashley Cole.

Predicted starting 11

How to Watch

Date/Time Oct. 6th, 5:30 p.m.
Venue Children’s Mercy Park
TV Spectrum SportsNet & Deportes
Streaming (outside of LA) ESPN+

Officials

Referee Jair Marrufo
ARs Jose Da Silva and Adam Garner
4th official Sorin Stoica
VAR Caleb Mendez