Preview: Los Angeles Galaxy vs Seattle Sounders - prediction, team news, lineups

In a rematch from the 2024 Western Conference final, the Los Angeles Galaxy and Seattle Sounders square off in the first of two MLS matches this year on Sunday at Dignity Health Sports Park.

Despite salvaging a late 3-3 draw with Los Angeles FC in their previous league fixture, the reigning MLS Cup champions remain dead last in the West with 16 points, while the Sounders are fourth following a 2-2 result versus Atlanta United.

Match preview

Time is running short for the Galaxy, who are 14 points below the Western Conference playoff line heading into this weekend, with 10 matches remaining.

It would be a long shot to see them sneak into the post-season at this stage, though they have been much more consistent of late, losing just one of their previous eight competitive fixtures in normal time and earning a place in the Leagues Cup quarter-finals.

Greg Vanney’s side have won three of their previous four league encounters at Dignity Health Sports Park, posting two clean sheets over that stretch.

All three of their 2025 domestic wins have come when they were in front at the interval, while they have won their last 12 regular-season home games when leading at the half.

The Galaxy need at least 17 points from their final 10 regular season affairs this year, to avoid incurring their worst 34-game domestic campaign regarding points (32 in 2017).

LA have won their last three home contests across all competitions against Seattle, including a 1-0 win in the conference finals en route to lifting the MLS Cup last year.

After taking care of business in the opening phase of the Leagues Cup, the Sounders return to MLS action, looking to build off their recent strong form.

Seattle won all three of their group fixtures to advance into the Leagues Cup quarter-finals and are undefeated in six consecutive MLS affairs.

They are currently sitting fourth in the Western Conference, six points below Minnesota United for third but with a game in hand on them.

Their normally stable backline has not been so sharp domestically in recent outings, giving up multiple goals in their last four matches in this competition.

Brian Schmetzer’s men have points in their last two MLS away games but have triumphed in only one of their previous five road outings domestically (3-2 at Sporting Kansas City).

The Rave Green have not won a regular-season game played in California since a 1-0 win on April Fool’s Day 2023 against the LA Galaxy in Carson.

Los Angeles Galaxy Major League Soccer form:

Los Angeles Galaxy form (all competitions):

Seattle Sounders Major League Soccer form:

Seattle Sounders form (all competitions):

Team News

Los Angeles forward Gabriel Pec could be questionable for this match due to a lower leg issue, while Riqui Puig is doubtful because of a knee injury.

Maya Yoshida netted the equaliser deep into stoppage time of their 3-3 draw with LAFC, while Pec had a brace to help them earn a single point.

The Sounders could be missing Paul Rathrock (hand), Joao Paulo (knee), Jordan Morris (shoulder), Stuart Hawkins (quad), Stefan Frei (head) and Paul Arriola (knee) on Sunday with injuries.

Pedro De la Vega and Osaze De Rosario scored second-half goals for them against the Five Stripes in the second half of their previous league contest.

Los Angeles Galaxy possible starting lineup:

Micovic; Yamane, Yoshida, Cuevas, Aude; Sanabria, Cerrillo; Pec, Reus, Paintsil; Nascimento

Seattle Sounders possible starting lineup:

Thomas; A. Roldan, Andrade, Ragen, Baker-Whiting; Vargas, C. Roldan; Ferreira, Rusnak, De la Vega; Musovski

We say: Los Angeles Galaxy 1-1 Seattle Sounders

Four of the last five matches between these two ended in either a draw or a one-goal win and given how well they have each played of late, we expect a spirited effort on both sides.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.