The two sides are currently third and fifth respectively in the Western Conference standings with only two points between them, but the table doesn’t tell the full tale.
Between them, the Galaxy and the Sounders have won a combined two games in the last eight. One of those two wins came on Wednesday night, as Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored both goals for the Galaxy in a 2-0 win over FC Dallas.
The Swede continues to defy Father Time and has now hit the net 18 times in the MLS this season, making him the third-most prolific goalscorer behind Carlos Vela and Josef Martinez.
Unfortunately for them, the Galaxy is nowhere near as efficient at the other end of the field and have already conceded 36 goals, the joint-second most for any team currently holding a playoff berth in the Western Conference.
Of those teams, only the Sounders have a worse defensive record, with 37 goals conceded.
Seattle lost 3-0 away against Real Salt Lake on Wednesday night and remains three points clear of FC Dallas, the first team currently outside the playoff zone.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of Saturday.
When and where is the game?
The Galaxy hosts the Seattle Sounders at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m. local time (10 p.m.) ET on Saturday, August 17.
TV coverage
The game will be broadcast live on ESPN2 with English commentary and on ESPN Deportes with Spanish commentary.
Live stream
A live stream will be available via ESPN digital platforms as well as via WatchESPN.
Recent form
The Galaxy got a much-needed win against FC Dallas on Wednesday night, thanks to a brace from Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
The 2-0 win moved Los Angeles up to third in the Western Conference standings, just a point behind Minnesota United and level with Real Salt Lake.
More importantly, it stemmed a run of three consecutive defeats, which had threatened to derail the Galaxy’s season.
Inconsistency has plagued the Sounders too. Seattle has won just once in the last five games, with three defeats and a draw. The last of those defeats came on Wednesday night as the Sounders were thrashed 3-0 on the road by Real Salt Lake.
Despite the recent lack of form, Seattle remains just two points adrift of second-placed Minnesota United in the Western Conference standings.
Team news
The Galaxy is without long-term absentee Romain Alessandrini, who underwent surgery after suffering a knee injury in April.
Seattle lost forward Will Bruin for the season in June, while Alex Roland and Brad Smith remain out with an ankle sprain and an adductor strain, respectively.
Midfielders Gustav Svensson and Victor Rodriguez are doubts with hamstring injuries, while defender Kelvin Leerdam is still recovering from an ankle injury.
Series record
The last two meetings between the Galaxy and the Sounders have been very one-sided affairs, with the Galaxy winning 3-0 at home in September last year, a month after being thrashed 5-0 in Seattle.
In the last five meetings, both teams have scored in the same game just once, a 1-1 draw in Seattle in September 2017.
Odds
According to Oddschecker, the Galaxy is a 21/20 favorite (+105 in moneyline terms), while the draw is at 11/4 and Seattle is at 229/100.
