LA Galaxy aim to extend Western Conference lead & prediction for St Louis CITY SC clash

It's been all smiles as of late for the Los Angeles Galaxy. Head coach Greg Vanney has his team playing strong as they currently sit in first place with 52 points on the Western Conference Standings.

The LA Galaxy have not lost a regular season game in over a month as they have won four out of their last five contests. Their most recent win came last week when they trounched Atlanta United for two goals in the second half to claim the victory.

That game also saw the much-anticipated debut of Marco Reus. He recorded an assist and scored a goal of his own. The 35-year-old sensation made his presence felt as he fit right in with one of the league's best offenses.

"I'm here to be successful with the team, and of course, to try to bring the Championship back to the Galaxy."

Marco Reus, newest LA Galaxy midfielder

This Sunday, the LA Galaxy travel to St. Louis, Missouri to play one of the bottom teams in the Western Conference. St. Louis City SC has only won four games this season. They have twice as many losses as the LA Galaxy, too.

LA Galaxy aim to extend Western Conference lead & prediction for St Louis CITY SC clash

The team's leading scorer, Dejan Joveljic, should be available to suit up for the Galaxy. He has a dozen scores and five assists in the season. Players such as Gabriel Pec, Joseph Paintsil and Ricard Puig especially have stepped up in his absence.

Vanney has yet to see both Reus and Joveljic on the field at the same time. Playing against a squad that has allowed 50 goals already this season bodes well for the LA Galaxy's playoff hopes.

The two teams have only managed to record a tie against each other. The LA Galaxy and St. Louis City SC tied 3-3 back in March. Both of their contests last season also resulted in a tie.

A win for the Los Angeles Galaxy on Sunday would help keep distance between them and second-place LAFC. With a pair of games against the Houston Dynamo this week and next, LAFC could close the cap when the two LA-based soccer clubs square off in two weeks for the third time this season.

Another strong offensive showing by the LA Galaxy should secure the win. Strong goaltending from keeper John McCarthy also has helped give the team 15 wins already to date this year. One more on Sunday would give the Galaxy 55 points in the standings.

Prediction: Los Angeles Galaxy 3; St. Louis City SC 1.