Sporting Kansas City take on Los Angeles Galaxy in the MLS Western Conference on Saturday.
Both sides find themselves outside of the playoff positions, with the hosts rock-bottom heading into the weekend's encounter.
Match preview
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Indeed, after reaching the Conference semi-finals in the playoffs last season having finished third in the regular season, Kansas have endured a nightmare campaign this time around.
Peter Vermes, who has been in charge of the club since 2009 and won the MLS Cup in 2013, is facing more pressure than at any point during his long reign as head coach.
The 55-year-old, who scored 11 goals in 66 caps for USA during his playing career, has been powerless to prevent his side's dip in form of late, with ill discipline costing them dearly having received two red cards in their last three games.
Three successive defeats without scoring a single goal has seen them remain bottom of the Western Conference, with only a win on Saturday potentially moving them level on points with San Jose Earthquakes in 13th position.
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After winning the MLS Cup three times in four seasons between 2011 and 2014, LA Galaxy have suffered a major fall from grace in recent times, failing to even qualify for the playoffs in four of the last five campaigns.
While Greg Vanney's side are only two points behind seventh-placed Nashville SC with a game in hand, four defeats in their last five games is no indicator of a team capable of putting together the kind of run which may be required to end their barren run in terms of reaching the stage which really matters in the MLS.
It would be fair to assert that the club's owners are not splashing the cash that they once were, having attracted the likes of David Beckham, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Steven Gerrard during the club's golden era.
However, Javier Hernandez remains a high-profile asset with Douglas Costa joining on loan from Juventus for the season, so better results and a playoff spot should still be the minimum aim for Galaxy this season.
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Team News
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Kansas remain without Gadi Kinda and Alan Pulido, with both forwards still recovering from knee surgery.
Midfielder Cameron Duke is suspended after receiving two yellow cards in the first half of his side's 2-0 defeat to Austin FC last weekend.
Roger Espinoza is likely to take his place alongside Remi Walter and Felipe Hernandez in the engine room.
LA Galaxy, on the other hand, appear to have no injury or suspension concerns ahead of the weekend's trip to Kansas.
Raheem Edwards could return to the side at left-back in place of Chase Gasper, while top goalscorer Dejan Joveljic will expect to start alongside Chicharito in attack.
Sporting Kansas City possible starting lineup:
Pulskamp; Pierre, Isimiat-Mirin, Fontas, Sweat; Espinoza, Walter, F Hernandez; Russell, Agada, Tzionis
Los Angeles Galaxy possible starting lineup:
Bond; Araujo, Zavaleta, Williams, Edwards; Costa, Delgado, Brugman, Raveloson; J Hernandez, Joveljic
We say: Sporting Kansas City 1-1 Los Angeles Galaxy
We can envisage a share of the spoils between two sides struggling for form in recent weeks.
The visitors undoubtedly have more individual quality, but home advantage and a determination to end their losing run should help Kansas avoid defeat.
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Top tip
Brett Curtis
