Football

Diego Simeone's men are already set to be without Luis Suarez for Saturday's LaLiga game following his positive test for coronavirus while away on international duty with Uruguay.

Atleti are sweating on the fitness of a number of other first-team players, including Diego Costa and Yannick Carrasco, and will definitely be without Herrera next weekend.

The 30-year-old played no part in Mexico's 3-2 win over South Korea last week and was sent back to Madrid to undergo a scan.

Atleti confirmed the extent of the injury on their official website on Tuesday, with Herrera now expected to miss around a month.

He has featured eight times in all competitions for Atletico this season and started their last four games before the international break.

Herrera has averaged 85.18 passes per 90 minutes in his five LaLiga outings, which is behind only Toni Kroos (86.54) among players to have played at least five times this term.

Kroos is also the only player to have averaged more touches (104 to 100) than Herrera, while no player has turned over possession more often (9.64) - Manu Garcia being next highest with 9.38.

Atletico take on Barcelona, Valencia and Real Valladolid in LaLiga over the next three weeks and also have Champions League games with Lokomotiv Moscow, Bayern Munich and Salzburg in that period.

Atleti were crowned champions in Spain for the first time since the 2013-14 season back in May, clinching the crown on the final day with a win over Real Valladolid.

They start the new term with a trip to Celta Vigo, while headline fixtures against Barcelona and a visit across the Spanish capital to neighbouring Real Madrid come in October and December respectively.

February 6 sees Atleti scheduled to face Barca again, this time at Camp Nou, though it is a tough final stretch which catches the eye following Wednesday's schedule announcement.

May sees an away game against Athletic Bilbao followed by the second Madrid derby, this time at the Wanda Metropolitano, with a trip to Elche coming before a home clash with Sevilla.

Should Atleti's title hopes be alive heading into the final day once again, they will aim to get a positive result at Real Sociedad on May 22.

Atletico Madrid's LaLiga fixtures in full:

15/08/2021 – Celta Vigo (a)
22/08/2021 – Elche (h)
29/08/2021 – Villarreal (h)
12/09/2021 – Espanyol (a)
19/09/2021 – Athletic Bilbao (h)
22/09/2021 – Getafe (a)
26/09/2021 – Deportivo Alaves (a)
03/10/2021 – Barcelona (h)
17/10/2021 – Granada (a)
24/10/2021 – Real Sociedad (h)
27/10/2021 – Levante (a)
31/10/2021 – Real Betis (h)
07/11/2021 – Valencia (a)
21/11/2021 – Osasuna (h)
28/11/2021 – Cadiz (a)
05/12/2021 – Real Mallorca (h)
12/12/2021 – Real Madrid (a)
19/12/2021 – Sevilla (a)
02/01/2022 – Rayo Vallecano (h)
09/01/2022 – Villarreal (a)
19/01/2022 – Levante (h)
23/01/2022 – Valencia (h)
06/02/2022 – Barcelona (a)
13/02/2022 – Getafe (h)
20/02/2022 – Osasuna (a)
27/02/2022 – Celta Vigo (h)
06/03/2022 – Real Betis (a)
13/03/2022 – Cadiz (h)
20/03/2022 – Rayo Vallecano (a)
03/04/2022 – Deportivo Alaves (h)
10/04/2022 – Real Mallorca (a)
17/04/2022 – Espanyol (h)
20/04/2022 – Granada (h)
01/05/2022 – Athletic Bilbao (a)
08/05/2022 – Real Madrid (h)
11/05/2022 – Elche (a)
15/05/2022 – Sevilla (h)
22/05/2022 – Real Sociedad (a)

The Argentina international intercepted Daniel Parejo's sloppy pass just inside his own half before sensationally firing over Geronimo Rulli from just over the halfway line.

Opta deemed the effort to have an expected goal (xG) indicator of just 0.0166 – the lowest in LaLiga this season. 

Correa has now scored 12 goals in his last 28 top-flight appearances, which is one more than he had in his previous 98 league games for Diego Simeone's men. 

Real Valladolid were no match for in-form Atleti on Saturday, as Simeone's team won 5-0 to cruise to a seventh straight victory in all competitions.

The club spent big on reinforcing their squad over the summer, and three of those signings - Clement Lenglet, Julian Alvarez and Alexander Sorloth - were on target against Valladolid.

Antoine Griezmann and Rodrigo De Paul also scored as Atleti moved, temporarily at least, into second place in LaLiga.

"All teams need time. A month and a half ago, two months ago, we talked about the new guys needing to adapt to the team and how Atletico Madrid play because they all played differently in their (former) teams," Simeone told reporters.

"The growth of Lenglet, [Conor] Gallagher, Julian, Sorloth and the hope of recovering [the injured] Robin Le Normand soon is giving us a good feeling.

"We lost a very bad game against [Real] Betis, where we were not recognisable. And I think that was the breakthrough of what has come from then on. We can win, lose or draw, but we have to be recognisable."

Atleti had just 13 shots against Valladolid, yet got nine of them on target and accumulated a whopping 4.0 expected goals. That means, on average, each of their shots had an xG value of 0.3.

Simeone hopes Atleti can carry the momentum into the Copa del Rey, with Cacereno coming up in the second round on Thursday.

"Defensively we are doing well, which gives us a plus, and offensively we also have a position that gives us attacking options, speed, inside play, aerial play, counter-attacking, and we have to keep going," he said.

"The league is very long and we are looking forward to the cup match, which will be tough like all ties, and we need to maintain the humility and commitment that the boys are showing."

Atleti are now just three points clear of second-placed Barcelona, albeit with a game in hand, as they failed to respond after Ronald Koeman's men won on Saturday.

Luis Suarez opened the scoring in Sunday's Derbi, but Atleti's winless run against Madrid was extended to 10 league matches thanks to Karim Benzema's late leveller.

It means Diego Simeone's side have won just nine points from six matches since the start of February, a period in which Barca have claimed 16 and Madrid 14.

But Atleti will have the opportunity to increase their advantage again on Wednesday when they play their leftover fixture against Athletic Bilbao.

And Koke says his team are ready to fight again, eager to improve on a run of one win in five in all competitions.

"It is you who said the league was over and such and such," he told Movistar. "This goes until the season is over.

"We have to focus on Wednesday's game, when we can earn points while our rivals cannot."

As well as their long sequence without victory against Madrid in all league matches, Atleti are yet to beat their neighbours at the Wanda Metropolitano in four attempts in LaLiga.

"We were superior, but they can score at any moment," Koke said. "Fresh people came on and the team tried to push forward, but we have had a great rival who have a lot of potential to score goals.

"It is true that we have not been able to beat them here yet, but we have not been able to win [against Madrid] for a long time."

Benzema's equaliser was the last of eight attempts from the former France striker, three of which drew outstanding stops from Jan Oblak, who ended with seven saves.

"I was angry, because a few minutes earlier I was able to score but the goalkeeper made good saves," explained Benzema, whose 371st LaLiga appearance set a new Madrid record among non-Spanish players.

"I think we played a good game. It was very difficult against a good team. I think the first half was for them and the second half for us. It was a good point."

The point made Zinedine Zidane just the second Madrid coach to avoid defeat in his first four away games against Atleti in LaLiga history, following in the footsteps of Luis Molowny in 1986.

Atsu has not been located since the earthquakes hit southern Turkey and northern Syria over a week ago.

Former Newcastle United, Chelsea and Everton player Atsu scored for Hatayspor the day before the earthquakes, which resulted in the collapse of the apartment block in which he was living. 

Along with the club's sporting director, Taner Savut, Atsu is yet to be found.

Atsu's club initially reported that he had been recovered from the rubble, but it was subsequently confirmed this was not the case.

Atsu's agent, Nana Sechere, has travelled to Hatay in an attempt to assist with the search for his client, but he does not believe Hatayspor are offering enough support.

"It has been nine days since the earthquake and we still have not located Christian," Sechere told Sky Sports. "I am at the quake site in Hatay with Christian's family.

"The scenes are unimaginable and our hearts are broken for all the people affected.

"During my time here we have been able to locate Christian's exact room location, and we have found two pairs of his shoes.

"Yesterday we received confirmation that thermal imagery was showing signs of up to five lives, however, I am told that the only real confirmation or life Is through sight, smell and sound, and unfortunately we were not able to locate Christian.

"This is a difficult situation and we are extremely grateful to all the Turkish and foreign rescue teams, local civilians and volunteers for their efforts and response in rescuing survivors.

"However, we urgently need more resources, including a translator, on the ground. Things are moving incredibly slow and, as a result of that, many rescues are being delayed, and lives are being lost due to the lack of resources available to the workers.

"It is unfortunate that the club is not on the ground with us, side by side, in the search for Christian. Their position and influence, accompanied with their local knowledge, would be extremely helpful.

"We implore the president of the club and mayor of Hatay, Lutfu Savas, to provide additional resources to speed up the rescue efforts as a priority."

Over 40,000 people are reported to have died due to the earthquakes.

The Stags maintained the pace at the top of League Two with a first ever win at Gander Green Lane after goals from veteran duo Stephen Quinn and Lucas Akins.

It compounded a terrible week for the Football League’s bottom club Sutton, who sacked manager Matt Gray after last weekend’s 8-0 mauling at leaders Stockport – the worst defeat in their history.

And Stags boss Clough said: “The attitude from the first minute to the last was absolutely spot on.

“They made it tricky for us in many ways. They lost their manager in the week after the 8-0 and they were formidable opponents.

“We scored two good goals, we should have had another one I thought. We were very relieved when that second one went in.

“It was difficult. The pitch wasn’t as good as it has been in previous seasons and there’s a wind blowing right down the middle of the pitch.

“The conditions were tricky. It wasn’t going to be a great game of football and we handled it well.

“It was a very tight angle for Stephen’s goal. I don’t think people appreciate how tight it was. It was a brilliant finish, an excellent finish and it’s great to have him back.

“It was another great finish from Lucas. Sometimes on your wrong foot you just have to put your head down and hit it as hard as you can and it’s gone in off the bar.”

Injury-stricken Sutton had their chances, with Harry Smith denied by a fine Christy Pym save on the stroke of half-time.

And interim boss Jason Goodliffe, Gray’s former assistant, said: “I thought we were very slow to start the game. I thought we were very nervous.

“It took us a while to get going. We went 1-0 down, the response was good after going behind and we got stronger as the first half went on.

“We created a very good chance with Harry Smith and it’s a very good save from the goalkeeper.

“The atmosphere was pretty flat around the ground and it needed something to spark it into life and that would have certainly done that. It’s the sort of thing that’s not quite going for us at the minute.

“We made a couple of changes at half-time and looked really positive for 10 or 15 minutes in that second half with a couple of good chances in that spell.

“Unfortunately that second goal going in took the wind out of our sails and we never really recovered from that.

“The effort was certainly there and I can’t fault the players, but it wasn’t to be for us.”

The 35-year-old is the latest high-profile signing for the Khobar-based club, following the arrivals of Nacho and Koen Casteels from Real Madrid and Wolfsburg respectively.

Aubameyang joins after just one season with Marseille, for whom he scored 30 goals in 51 appearances while also becoming the record marksman in Europa League history.

A LaLiga title winner with Barcelona, the forward also won the DFB-Pokal during his time with Borussia Dortmund, and the FA Cup at Arsenal.

Aubameyang stepped onto the pitch for the first time with his new club during their pre-season friendly with Borussia Monchengladbach on Thursday.

The New Zealand club had been nominated as the Oceania Football Confederation's (OFC) representative for the tournament in Qatar, which is scheduled to begin on February 1.

However, the quarantine measures in place in New Zealand in relation to the coronavirus pandemic have led Auckland to pull out.

They had been set to face Al-Duhail in the opening game but that contest will now not take place.

A FIFA statement read: "FIFA has today [Friday] been informed by Auckland City FC that, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and related quarantine measures required by the New Zealand authorities, the club will be unable to participate in the FIFA Club World Cup 2020.

"Despite FIFA's regular exchanges with the club, New Zealand Football and the OFC in recent days, the requirements of the New Zealand authorities in relation to isolation and quarantine go beyond FIFA's remit and, therefore, it was not possible to reach a solution.

"FIFA together with the Qatari authorities, will implement a comprehensive medical and security protocol providing the safeguards required to protect the health and safety of everyone involved in the competition.

"Following the withdrawal of Auckland City, the FIFA Club World Cup 2020 will be contested by Al-Duhail SC, Al Ahly SC, FC Bayern Munich, Ulsan Hyundai FC, Tigres UANL and the winners of the CONMEBOL Libertadores final scheduled for 30 January.

"The first-round match will no longer take place and Al-Duhail SC will begin the competition in the second round. The competition format remains otherwise unchanged.

"The draw to finalise the pairings will take place in Zurich on 19 January at 16:00 CET."

First-half goals from Martin Terrier and Florian Wirtz sealed the win for Xabi Alonso's side, who moved to within four points of leaders Bayern Munich.

Leverkusen had scored six Bundesliga goals in the opening quarter of an hour of matches this season and broke through in the 14th minute, when Terrier stabbed home the opener.

Wirtz's low drive doubled the lead five minutes before the break, and was enough to see the visitors over the line.

More importantly, after Bayern suffered their first loss of the Bundesliga season at Mainz, Leverkusen closed the gap on Vincent Kompany's side.

Data Debrief: Leverkusen set new club record

Leverkusen comfortably stretched their winning streak to seven matches across all competitions.

They also secured their 23rd Bundesliga victory of 2024, their most ever in a single calendar year.

Wirtz put the result beyond doubt, with the attacking midfielder now having been directly involved in a goal in each of his last five league appearances.

Alexis Claude-Maurice struck twice for Augsburg as Dortmund lost again after taking the lead, following their 5-2 defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League.

Nuri Sahin's team took the lead after just four minutes on Saturday, with Donyell Malen slotting home.

Augsburg got an unexpected equaliser in the 25th minute when Claude-Maurice broke through, found no resistance from four defenders and had plenty of space to drill in a long-range finish.

The Frenchman, making his first league start for Augsburg, netted a second to complete the comeback five minutes after the restart, curling a low shot home from the edge of the box.

Dortmund's comeback attempts fell short, and their frustration was compounded when substitute Almugera Kabar received his second booking in stoppage time. 

Data Debrief: BVB's European hangover

Dortmund have lost their last four Bundesliga games following on from a Champions League fixture in midweek.

In fact, they have only won two of their last 14 Bundesliga away matches on the weekend after a Champions League clash.

Augsburg, meanwhile, ended a winless run of seven Bundesliga games against Dortmund.

Plans for the top two flights of English women’s football to shift out from under the current direct FA management model have been in the works for some time.

The move will follow a series of consultations with a working group of 10 WSL and Championship executives, chaired by Arsenal chief executive Vinai Venkatesham, established to steer the next phase of the professional women’s game.

Baroness Sue Campbell, the FA’s director of women’s football, said: “I honestly feel we’ve made incredible progress. There’s been a real acceptance that the women’s game needs to be managed differently, run differently, and I think we’ve had some really honest and exciting conversations.

“We have a meeting with all 24 (WSL and Championship) CEOs in June, which again is terrific.”

England did not have a fully professional women’s league until 2018. Since then the game has grown exponentially, and by many indicators was further accelerated by the Lionesses’ triumph at last summer’s European Championship.

Other members of the working group include Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish, whose side are in the Women’s Championship, and Manchester United director Patrick Stewart.

Lewes chief executive Maggie Murphy and London City Lionesses chairwoman and founder Diane Culligan both represent Championship sides unaffiliated with men’s teams.

It is a predicament that presents their organisations with unique needs, distinct from those representing resource-rich Premier League sides like Manchester City’s chief football operations officer Omar Berrada.

While compromises may need to be reached between clubs with wildly different challenges, goals and coffers, Campbell vowed that the direction of the women’s game will be, by design, “very different in nature, in shape from the men’s game because I think that’s really important”.

The close of next campaign will also mark the end of the FA’s landmark three-season broadcast deal with the BBC and Sky Sports, believed to be worth about £24million, with internal conversations under way to determine the best approach to negotiating the next iteration.

The current season has seen numerous milestones achieved. All but one WSL club – West Ham – have hosted matches in their main stadia, while this weekend’s FA Cup final broke a world record for a women’s domestic club fixture with 77,390 in attendance at Wembley.

Campbell celebrated those and other successes but says the FA is determined to keep breaking new ground, including ensuring clubs have appropriate and “friendly” facilities and the “right fan environment”.

She added: “It’s a real statement about where the professional women’s game has got to. I don’t want to feel complacent, though, because we’ve still got a long way to go.

“We’ve made a lot of progress, but I want to emphasise there’s still a long way to go in terms of getting numbers through gates regularly. We’ve definitely created momentum.”

Not since May 1 had Austin won a game but that changed on Thursday thanks to Jon Gallagher, Diego Fagundez, Alexander Ring and Hector Jimenez.

Austin – who have Hollywood star Matt McConaughey as part of their ownership group – also celebrated their first victory at Q2 Stadium.

Josh Wolff's Austin had become the third team in MLS history to fail to score in the first two home matches in franchise history after the New York Red Bulls (then-MetroStars) in 1996 and the Miami Fusion in 1998 – New York's first home goal came in the 72nd minute of their third home match (Cle Kooiman own goal), while Miami's was scored in the 27th minute of their third home match by Jerry Tamashiro.

Austin opened their account via Gallagher in the 28th minute in front of a capacity crowd on Thursday before star team-mate Fagundez doubled the lead five minutes later.

The Timbers – who had not won any of their last three away matches against MLS expansion teams (D1 L2), dating back to April 2015 – pulled a goal back via Jeremy Ebobisse in the seventh minute of first-half stoppage time.

That was as good as it got for Portland, however, as quick-fire goals from Ring and Jimenez inside the final 13 minutes sealed maximum points.

Austin are ninth in the Western Conference, level on points with seventh-placed Portland – who occupy the final play-off spot.

The Crown came from behind to draw 1-1 with Columbus Crew on Wednesday, which followed an impressive 3-1 victory over high-flying FC Cincinnati last weekend.

Charlotte sit sixth in the Eastern Conference and a win on Saturday could see them move higher if other results go their way.

Smith noted how impressed he has been with the team's progress in recent weeks and backed them to get the job done this weekend.

"I think we've evolved as a team," Smith said. "As well as being really good without the ball, I think we're starting to learn how to use it a little bit better.

"[The players] believe in the way we play and the structure. I think the big thing is that there is belief in going and competing against these teams."

Meanwhile, Austin are 10th in the Western Conference, having lost their last two matches with a man sent off in both.

Having won just two of their last 10 games in MLS, head coach Josh Wolff admitted they needed to improve their discipline if they wanted to stay in with a chance of reaching the playoffs.

"We need to keep 11 guys on the field is the first thing," Wolff said, "that gives us a better chance.

"Discipline outside the red cards is also important. We have to make plays - getting a little more quality will help us, but we have to execute better by scoring goals.

"We do a lot of things good, but we can't shoot ourselves in the foot."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Austin – Gyasi Zardes

Gyasi Zardes has scored each of Austin's last three goals, with a brace against New York City FC prior to his goal against Dallas on Wednesday.

Zardes is the first Austin player to score three consecutive team goals since he, himself, did so in May 2023.

Charlotte – Patrick Agyemang

Patrick Agyemang has scored four goals in his last four matches for Charlotte, including each of the last two.

The only player in Charlotte FC's MLS history to score in three straight league matches is Karol Swiderski in October 2023.

MATCH PREDICTION: DRAW

Austin won the only previous meeting between the sides, 1-0, in Charlotte in June 2022. Daniel Pereira scored the game's only goal from outside the box in the 62nd minute.

Over the last year (since July 21, 2023), Austin have lost 18 of their 37 matches in all competitions (nine wins, 10 draws). The Verde were held to one or zero goals in 24 of those games, including their 3-1 loss to FC Dallas on Wednesday.

Charlotte have collected 13 points from their last seven away matches (four wins, one draw, two losses), including a 1-1 draw at reigning MLS Cup Champion Columbus Crew on Wednesday. Charlotte had totaled just eight points in their previous 15 regular-season away matches dating back to last May (one win, five draws, nine defeats).

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Austin – 34.6%

Draw – 25.9%

Charlotte – 39.6%

Colorado secured their playoff place last month but are not yet sure where in the Western Conference they will finish.

Other results could see them move up or down the table, and after losing their last three matches, Armas is keen to finish the regular season on a high.

"You can tell something different is in the air," he said. "The playoffs are here.

"The energy in the team is really good, and we're looking forward to the weekend and the big test in Austin.

"We want to use it the right way, to finish the season in the right way and get into the right mindset for the first playoff game."

Meanwhile, Austin sacked head coach Josh Wolff after a 2-1 defeat to LA Galaxy last time out ensured they would not make the playoffs.

Davy Arnaud will take interim charge for their final game of the season, and his sole focus is on getting three points on Saturday.

"You saw guys [in the last two games] who are still giving everything they have," Arnaud said, as quoted in the Verde All Day substack.

"For me, there would be no reason that it wouldn't be a very similar feel inside the stadium on Saturday, and I think they'll see a group that I'm hoping that they're proud of, that still represents this club in a really good way, despite the fact that we won't be in the playoffs.

"I've loved my time here in Austin, but I think it's too early to really fully talk about those things right now because we have a focus on Saturday."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Austin FC – Sebastian Driussi

Each of Austin's last 15 goals have been scored from open play dating back to mid-June, with their most recent being scored by Sebastian Driussi last time out against LA Galaxy.

Austin have not scored from a set piece since a penalty goal on June 1 and have not scored a non-penalty goal from a set piece since late May.

Colorado Rapids – Djordje Mihailovic

Djordje Mihailovic (11 goals, 12 assists) is the first player in Rapids history to record 10 goals and 10 assists in a single regular season.

He enters the final day of the season tied with Diego Rubio (2022) for the most goal contributions in a single season in Rapids history.

MATCH PREDICTION: AUSTIN FC WIN

Austin are winless in five straight regular-season home matches (D2 L3) for the first time in club history. They have managed just one win in their last eight matches at Q2 Stadium dating back to late May (D3 L4), but they will be keen to sign off for the season with a victory.

Colorado have never lost away against Austin FC (W1 D2), with the last two meetings between the sides at Q2 Stadium ending in draws. The Rapids are one of two teams (Seattle Sounders – four) to play three or more regular-season away matches at Austin without a loss.

Colorado have collected 50 points this season after totalling just 27 in the 2023 campaign. The 23-point improvement is the largest year-over-year improvement by the Rapids in the club's MLS history (excluding the shortened 2020 season), surpassing a 21-point bounce from 2015 to 2016.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Austin FC – 40.7%

Draw – 26.7%

Colorado Rapids – 32.7%

The Dynamo approached Saturday's trip to Sporting Kansas City both winless and goalless in three MLS matches (one draw, two defeats), while they were also dumped out of the U.S. Open Cup by Detroit City FC.

However, goals from Hector Herrera and Ibrahim Aliyu handed them a 2-1 road win and lifted them into the top seven of the Western Conference – above Austin by a single point. 

Speaking ahead of Wednesday's grudge match against a team that won the reverse fixture less than a month ago, Olsen credited his players for coming through a tough patch. 

"I think some people were questioning us, and we've had a few tough conversations, particularly with the U.S. Open cup knockout. This was just a really good response," he said.

"We have to figure out when we are at our best, to think, 'who are we, at our best?'

"It was our defensive effort that we hung our hat on last year, so it's a bit of a renewed feeling of that being there."

Austin, by contrast, were on a run of four wins in six games before they were beaten 2-1 by another Texas rival in FC Dallas on Saturday.

Despite that reverse, centre-back Julio Cascante has praised the defensive work done by coach Josh Wolff, with Austin looking far more competitive than was the case in their dismal 2023 season.

"Despite everything, we've worked very hard on the defensive side," Cascante said.

"Emphasis has been placed on the defensive side, but defending is done as an entire team. It starts with the number nine. I think that makes the difference."

PLAYERS TO WATCH 

Austin FC – Sebastian Driussi

Driussi scored a consolation from the penalty spot at Dallas on Saturday, his third goal of the season in eight MLS starts. 

Only Diego Rubio, who has started three additional games, has matched that tally for Austin this year. The Argentine will be looking to carry his team's attacking hopes again here.

Houston Dynamo – Amine Bassi 

Bassi recorded his third assist of the season by teeing up Hector Herrera's 31st-minute strike against Sporting on Saturday. 

All three of Bassi's assists have come on goals from outside the box this season – Houston's only three strikes from outside the penalty area.

MATCH PREDICTION – AUSTIN FC WIN

Houston have won three of their first five road matches this year, having only recorded more than three regular-season away wins in one of the last 10 campaigns, winning four times on their travels in 2022.

However, Austin have won all four of their previous home matches against Houston, netting multiple goals in each contest. The Dynamo are one of two teams – alongside Kansas City – that Austin have hosted more than once while posting a 100 per cent record.

Austin have also won three straight at home after only winning once in their previous 10 outings at Q2 Stadium. Back on home soil after Saturday's derby loss, they will expect a different result. 

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Austin FC – 44.9%
Houston Dynamo – 26.9%
Draw – 28.2%

Austin are 10th in the Western Conference, and are 10 points behind the playoff spots, with the Dynamo currently sitting in seventh place.

They have won just one of their last seven MLS outings (a 2-0 win over Nashville SC), and are winless in three, though they did draw 1-1 with Los Angeles FC last time out.

When asked if he was still targeting the playoffs, Wolff insisted that his team would fight to the last game.

"More adversity, bring it on," he said. "It's what we have to deal with.

"These guys compete, they have nothing but confidence in what we're doing. We should have more points based on some of the performances, but we keep looking forward and powering on.

"We need a big, big push at home and a big performance, but it's certainly attainable."

Meanwhile, Houston are unbeaten in each of their last four outings, winning two and drawing two, but were unable to hold onto their lead in a 1-1 draw with Vancouver Whitecaps in midweek.

They can make history on Saturday though – a win would set a new record for road victories in a single season, and it would be their first-ever triumph at Q2 Stadium, having lost all five previous visits.

"We're thinking of the game in front of us right now, and we owe Austin," Griffin Dorsey said. "They took six points from us.

"It's a rivalry game in a good atmosphere. It'll be a great night to take three points from them, and [making history] would make it more special."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Austin FC – Jader Obrian

On Wednesday, Jader Obrian notched his team-leading sixth goal of the season, but it was his first road goal in 2024.

The only MLS player with at least six goals this season to have a higher percentage of them coming at home than Obrian (83.3%) is William Agada of Sporting Kansas City (88.9%).

Houston Dynamo – Ezequiel Ponce

Ezequiel Ponce scored Houston's lone goal on a penalty kick in their 1-1 draw with Vancouver on Wednesday.

It was just the Dynamo's second penalty attempt in the regular season in 2024. The club had at least four penalty-kick attempts in each of the previous seven seasons entering 2024.

MATCH PREDICTION: HOUSTON DYNAMO WIN

The Dynamo have recorded three straight road wins in all competitions for the first time since a six-match winning streak away from home in 2011-12. That six-match run is Houston's only road winning streak longer than three matches.

Austin have won three straight matches against the Dynamo, keeping clean sheets in all three wins. The Black and Verde have never recorded four straight regular-season wins against a single opponent.

However, Austin have won just one of their last six regular-season home matches (D2 L3) dating back to late May. They had won five straight at Q2 Stadium prior to this drought.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Austin FC – 33.8%

Draw – 25.7%

Houston Dynamo – 40.5%

The Galaxy beat the San Jose Earthquakes 4-3 last time out, and they are top of the Western Conference with 18 points from nine games.

Next up is a trip to Austin FC, who have won three of their last four MLS fixtures.

“We want to build some momentum and keep looking at things we can keep improving,” said Vanney.

“Austin are a team that are improving, they’ve figured out a few things with their group.

“All these games on the road are difficult, we’ve got to keep taking steps forward, learning from each of these games, things we can carry on into the next game and be a little better. I’m happy with where we’re at, for sure, and the process continues.”

The Galaxy raced into a 3-0 lead against the ‘Quakes, though Vanney was disappointed with how his side failed to maintain control.

He said: “At 3-0 with an opportunity to see it off into half-time, they score a goal that helps them get back into it, so I think game management is an important piece of that.

“Again, I think inside of that, is choosing our moments when we can really force the opposition to defend in numbers in their half of the field, burn their spirit a bit or really force them to work to get the ball back so they don’t really see a great way back into the game. Sometimes we rush attacks and the game starts to open up – we need to make sure the game stays controlled because we have everything to gain from that scenario.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Austin FC – Emiliano Rigoni

Rigoni scored his first goal of the season last time out, netting in Austin’s 1-0 win over the Houston Dynamo. Fourteen different Austin FC players have been involved in at least one goal this year, tied with Sporting Kansas City for most in MLS in 2024.

LA Galaxy – Joseph Paintsil

Paintsil has a goal and an assist in each of the Galaxy’s last two matches. The last player to do so in three straight MLS matches was Zlatan Ibrahimovic, also for the Galaxy, in September 2019.

MATCH PREDICTION: AUSTIN FC WIN

The Galaxy have won four of their last five matches, including the last two in a row, following a 4—3 win over San Jose on Sunday. However, they have not won three in a row in all competitions since a four-match run in August-September 2020.

Austin, on the other hand, have won three of its last four matches, including their last two at home. Austin’s only three-match home winning streak since the start of the 2022 season came in June-July 2023.

The Galaxy have lost only one of their six matches against Austin FC (W4 D1 L1), but just one of their four wins over the Verde has come in Austin (W1 D1 L1).

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Austin FC – 51.2%

LA Galaxy – 23.3%

Draw – 25.5%

The Black and Gold are unbeaten in their previous six MLS fixtures after emerging 3–1 victors away at Orlando City last time out to keep them within striking distance of league leaders Real Salt Lake.

Cherundolo's team have the comfort of an extra game in hand over the surrounding sides, but the 45-year-old wants an improved performance after their display last week. 

"Winning is contagious, and winning is important," Cherundolo said. "Winning away from home is a lot of fun. 

"It certainly wasn't one of our prettiest games, but we had solutions at times, but not all the time. We were hoping to manage our game a little better in possession, but we were unable to do that. 

"That is what we will take away for something to improve on, but the result, the effort are some big pluses to take away from tonight."

Meanwhile, Austin are eighth in the Western Conference having suffered a third consecutive defeat as they went down to the Colorado Rapids.

Austin are winless in their last three games against their opponents, and head coach Josh Wolff expects another difficult encounter on Thursday. 

"LAFC are one of the best teams in the league," Wolff began. "They have enough weapons, and their attacking players are ruthless and are extremely dangerous.

"For me they are the best team in the league once again. I think they have so much talent and so much depth which goes a long way in this league. If it's a difficult day, they still have players to make plays. 

"We have got to do better with our chances. Our key players have to perform and execute."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Austin FC – Sebastian Driussi

The Austin captain will hope to mark his 100th appearance for the club with a goal, and is currently the top scorer for the Verde and Black's with five goals. 

LAFC – Mateusz Bogusz

Mateusz Bogusz has been involved in a goal in six consecutive league matches with four goals and two assists. 

Only Carlos Vela (11 in 2019-20) has produced more in LAFC history, while only two players (Luciano Acosta - nine, Lionel Messi - eight) have had a longer streak in MLS this season.

MATCH PREDICTION: LAFC WIN

LAFC enter the contest as the favourites to emerge with the three points.

Cherundolo's side have won eight consecutive matches in all competitions. The only MLS team to win nine straight matches outright (excluding breakaway shootout wins) in all competitions were the Seattle Sounders in 2018.

The Black and Gold's are unbeaten in their last three meetings with Austin scoring at least three goals in each of those triumphs. 

Austin's last victory over their opponents came in 2022, with the Texas side winning both of their MLS encounters with LAFC that season. 

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Austin FC - 27.6%

Draw - 24.1%

LAFC - 48.3%

The Verde and Black sit 10th in the Western Conference with a place in the playoffs within touching distance.

However, a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Sporting Kansas City stopped them from leapfrogging the Seattle Sounders into ninth.

While Wolff is confident being back at home will provide a boost to the team, he admitted there are still worries over the lack of goals.

"I don't know [why the team are struggling to score]," he said. "When we're at home, we seem to generate a lot more chances and more goals, and there's proof of that in our games.

"We look a lot better at home, and I'm not happy with the performances on the road. We've got to do better.

"We need to win. Our objective from the get-go was to be a playoff team. But we didn't get too carried away when we were doing well, and we're not going to get too feathered when we're not."

Meanwhile, NYCFC sit fourth in the Eastern Conference after a run of seven wins from 10 matches.

After a comfortable 2-0 victory over Montreal, head coach Nick Cushing reiterated the team's need to maintain their consistency if they want to stay in the mix at the top.

"You can see when we're good, feel when we're good because it's entertaining, it's good to watch, there's goal chances," Cushing said.

"The guys know what they need to do, but it's about drilling it and being consistent. In Austin, we have a huge opportunity to play the performance we know gives us the best opportunity to win."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Austin – Jader Obrian

Austin struggled in front of goal in their defeat to Kansas City last weekend, having just two shots, both of which came from Obrian.

While neither of them was on target, he was one of just two players to have a touch in the opposition box, managing three, with both resulting in shots.

NYCFC – Hannes Wolf

Wolf has created the most goals for NYCFC this season, setting up five as well as scoring four himself.

He assisted both goals in their win over Montreal in midweek, teeing up Alonso Martinez for those strikes.

MATCH PREDICTION: DRAW

Austin and NYCFC are meeting for the very first time in MLS regular-season play.

After back-to-back wins in May, Austin have since won just one of the following seven matches (1-0 v Minnesota United). They have only played at home twice in that run, picking up one point out of a possible six.

NYCFC's back-to-back wins have both come on home soil, while they lost their last two road games without scoring a single goal.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Austin – 37.6%

Draw – 26.4%

NYCFC – 36%