Colorado Rapids will be hoping to close the gap on MLS Western Conference leaders Los Angeles Galaxy when they meet at Dick's Sporting Goods Park Field 20 on Thursday.
The hosts are currently fourth with 50 points after 31 matches, eight behind the visitors who top the Conference table after playing the same number of games.
Match preview
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Colorado are two points behind second-placed Los Angeles FC, who have played one fewer game, and third-placed Real Salt Lake, with three matches remaining.
However, a concerning trend for the Rapids is their struggle to maintain momentum, which has led them to lose two of their last three MLS matches, the most recent of which was a 3-0 defeat away at Minnesota.
Another worrying issue for Chris Armas' side is their defensive frailties, having conceded seven goals in this period while scoring just three, and this leaves the possibility of losing their automatic playoff spot open, as they are only five points ahead of the teams in eighth and ninth place with three games to go.
Fortunately, the Rapids will be back on home soil on Thursday, where they are unbeaten in the last 10 matches, drawing two and winning eight, including the last three.
Colorado, who settled for a goalless draw the last time they hosted this fixture, will be hoping their potent attack will be firing on all cylinders for this encounter.
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LA Galaxy have played out an identical 4-2 scoreline in their last three matches, winning two of those games, including their most recent MLS clash against Vancouver Whitecaps.
The Galaxy, who have alternated between wins and defeats in their last six matches across all competitions, will be aiming to secure consecutive victories for the first time since last month.
A win on Thursday would see the visitors reach 61 points for the first time since doing so in 2014 when they won their last MLS Cup.
However, Greg Vanney's side have struggled on the road in recent weeks, losing their last three away matches across all competitions, including two in the MLS.
Team News
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Colorado will enter the match without Cole Bassett (quad), Adam Beaudry (upper body), Kevin Cabral (elbow), and Sam Vines (hamstring).
Rafael Navarro has netted more MLS goals for the hosts (14) than any other player this season, and the attacker will be eager to add to his tally on Thursday.
The only absentee for LA Galaxy will be Martin Caceres, who is sidelined with an Achilles injury until late in the year.
Gabriel Pec and Joseph Paintsil have found the net in consecutive matches, and both attackers will be aiming to make a significant impact for the visitors in this encounter.
Colorado Rapids possible starting lineup:
Steffen; Anderson, Edwards, Maxso, Cannon; Ronan, Larraz; Yapi, Mihailovic, Bassett; Navarro
Los Angeles Galaxy possible starting lineup:
McCarthy; Yamane, Garces, Yoshida, Nelson; Cerrillo, Puig, Reus; Paintsil, Joveljic, Pec
We say: Colorado Rapids 2-1 Los Angeles Galaxy
Colorado Rapids have been formidable at home in recent months, while LA Galaxy have struggled on the road in the last few weeks, and as a result, we are predicting a victory for the home side on Thursday.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
