LA Galaxy vs. Montreal Impact: Preview and How to Watch

Mar 12, 2017; Carson, CA, USA; The LA Galaxy starting eleven pose for a photo prior to the game against the Portland Timbers at StubHub Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 12, 2017; Carson, CA, USA; The LA Galaxy starting eleven pose for a photo prior to the game against the Portland Timbers at StubHub Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

LA Galaxy play host to Montreal Impact at the StubHub Center with both struggling sides seeking to kickstart their 2017 MLS campaign.

The LA Galaxy and Montreal Impact will be looking to take home the full three points when they face off in week six of MLS action. Both clubs have been struggling for form this season and are languishing in 10th place in their respective conferences, having picked up just three points after four games apiece.

LA Galaxy

la galaxy vs montreal impact
Apr 1, 2017; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Romain Alessandrini (7) controls the ball against Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Matias Laba (15) during the first half at BC Place. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports

LA Galaxy has had a less than stellar start to the 2017 MLS season, winning just one of four games. Losses to FC Dallas and Portland Timbers kicked off the year before an important away win at Real Salt Lake, although any sign of momentum was quickly put to bed in the recent 4-2 loss to the Vancouver Whitecaps.

On their return to California for their third home fixture of the season, the Western Conference side seems to have a relatively clean bill of health; Giovani dos Santos, Ashley Cole and Gyasi Zardes all took part in the previous game and should be ready to face the Montreal Impact.

DP signing Romain Alessandrini, who scored his first goals for his new club in Vancouver, will be one of the main threats for Curt Onalfo’s men as they seek to gain their second win of the season and also climb up the table.

LA Galaxy Projected Lineup

Montreal Impact

Mar 11, 2017; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Impact defender Laurent Ciman (23) tackles the ball away from Seattle Sounders forward Clint Dempsey (2) during the first half at Olympic Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2017; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Impact defender Laurent Ciman (23) tackles the ball away from Seattle Sounders forward Clint Dempsey (2) during the first half at Olympic Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports

The Montreal Impact are yet to win a league game this season; three draws and a loss makes for a pretty miserable reading for last season’s Eastern Conference MLS Cup finalists. The team has yet to find its groove and also has a habit of giving up leads, as evidenced by the home game against the Seattle Sounders and the recent 2-2 draw at Chicago Fire.

Ignacio Piatti is still injured for the Bleu-Blanc-Noir and will miss out on this all-important clash, which means Ballou Tabla will be given a chance to prove his worth to Mauro Biello once again. Laurent Ciman will replace Victor Cabrera in the center of defense after the latter picked up a late red card in the game against Chicago Fire.

Playing in their fourth away game of the season, the Impact wouldn’t mind picking up a point at the LA Galaxy even if that means they will remain without a win. With 29 games still to go, including several appearances at the Stade Saputo, Mauro Biello’s men won’t be worried about qualifying for the playoff spots just yet.

Montreal Impact Projected Lineup

All Time Record

1 win for LA Galaxy, 1 win for Montreal Impact, 3 draws.

LA Galaxy and Montreal Impact have one win against each other in five games played, with both teams still remaining unbeaten at home.

Prediction

The LA Galaxy should take all three points considering the fact that they possess a stronger playing XI than the Montreal Impact at the moment.

Kick off time

Saturday, 7th April 2017 at 10:30 pm ET

Where to watch

MLS Live (USA), TVA Sports (Canada), TSN4 (Canada), TSN5 (Canada)