Vanney backs LA Galaxy to get the job done on Decision Day

LA Galaxy head coach Greg Vanney believes his side, who are looking to book their play-off place in the final week of the MLS regular season (Decision Day), are in the best possible frame of mind.

Seventh in the Western Conference, the Galaxy sit right in the thick of a fierce play-off race that also involves this week's opponents Real Salt Lake. Only three points separate seventh-placed Galaxy from 12th-placed Minnesota United, with RSL, the Seattle Sounders, the Colorado Rapids and the Portland Timbers all in the hunt.

Vanney's side will guarantee a top-seven finish with a win. Should they draw, they would need one of Portland, Colorado or Seattle to drop points.

LA Galaxy go into the game buoyed by a 4-1 victory over Austin FC last time out, and head coach Vanney admitted a tough test awaits them at America First Field:

"The last game was very good for us. Our players are taking responsibility in the key moments and doing what is needed. The team has settled into its roles and the connections on the pitch have grown stronger. It wasn't a perfect day, but we still found a way to win 4-1, and that is a great sign. It means that when we are at our best, we are far more dangerous. Now we have to go out there fully focused, because we will be facing a tough opponent who will be in what amounts to a fight for survival at home."

Real Salt Lake, also chasing a play-off place, lost ground last week with a 2-1 defeat to the San Jose Earthquakes. Rocked by early goals from Ousseni Bouda and Benji Kikanović, RSL pulled one back through Juan Manuel Sanabria but could not find an equaliser.

RSL head coach Pablo Mastroeni criticised his team's defensive errors: "We shot ourselves in the foot in the first 15 minutes of the match. When you start gesticulating in the moment, you can't focus on the rest of the game. Even so, even when things were going badly, my players' reaction and desire to win were at a high level. We are in a great position to decide our own fate on Saturday; all we have to do is win at home."

Players to watch

Real Salt Lake: Saba Lobjanidze Lobjanidze provided the assist for his team's only goal against San Jose. The Georgian winger, who failed to register a goal contribution in 13 matches for Atlanta United this season, has reached his 4th assist in 13 appearances for RSL. The hosts will once again be relying on his creativity in this crucial encounter.

LA Galaxy: Emiro Garcés With LA Galaxy having tightened up their defensive structure in recent weeks, Garcés's resilient displays have become one of the team's key sources of reassurance ahead of Decision Day.