Seattle Sounders and Houston Dynamo square off on Saturday evening as they each bid to move closer to the top of the Western Conference standings.
The two sides currently occupy third and fourth place respectively, the visitors sitting two points adrift of their hosts with a game in hand.
Match preview
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When the Sounders begun the season with six victories from nine MLS fixtures, there was understandably anticipation regarding a potential long-term stay in the upper echelons of the Western Conference.
While they have achieved that to a certain extent, there can be no denying that Brian Schmetzer's side are fortunate to still be in third having put together a five-match winless streak.
Furthermore, Seattle have won just two of their last 11 games, with the goalless draw with Orlando City last time out at least keeping them ticking over in the right direction.
However, their last three wins since the middle of April have all been by 1-0 scorelines, and the Sounders have failed to score in four of their most recent five fixtures.
Although they still possess the best defensive record in the Western Conference, Schmetzer is under no illusions that he needs to find a greater balance if they are to continue their push for the playoffs.
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From the perspective of the Dynamo, they can claim to be a team on the rise despite losing 3-0 at mid-table Austin FC last time out.
Before that defeat to their Texan rivals, three successive wins had been put together in MLS, with four goals being scored in triumphs over Los Angeles FC and San Jose Earthquakes.
With just four points separating third and ninth, that accumulation has led to Ben Olsen's side becoming contenders to comfortably finish inside the playoff spots.
Nevertheless, Houston have already lost out to the Sounders this season, albeit only by a 1-0 scoreline in a game where they had players sent off in the 21st and 78th minutes respectively.
Team News
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This game is likely to come too soon for Seattle duo Ethan Dobbelaere and Sota Kitahara, who are expected to return at some point in July.
With Cristian Roldan and Jordan Morris both representing the United States at the Gold Cup, Schmetzer could opt for the same team which played out a stalemate with Orlando.
Houston will be without midfielder Adalberto Carrasquilla due to his participation in the same tournament, but Olsen seems more likely to tinker with his starting lineup.
Ivan Franco could be drafted into the side on the right flank, as could Thorleifur Ulfarsson with the winger netting three goals this season despite 12 of his 13 outings coming from the substitutes' bench.
If an alteration is made in defence, Chase Gasper could return at left-back, allowing for Daniel Steres to switch to the right or centre of defence.
Seattle Sounders possible starting lineup:
Frei; Baker, Andrade, Ragen, Tolo; Paulo, Vargas; Lodeiro, Rusnak, Chu; Heber
Houston Dynamo possible starting lineup:
Clark; Escobar, Sviatchenko, Micael, Steres; Artur, Herrera; Franco, Bassi, Ulfarsson; Ibrahim
We say: Seattle Sounders 1-1 Houston Dynamo
Despite their lofty league positions, neither team have been particularly convincing of late, especially the Sounders who have completely lost their way. Nevertheless, we feel that the home side will do enough to earn a share of the spoils and retain hold of the bronze-medal position.
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Top tip
Darren Plant
