Mark Delgado hopes Greg Vanney can turn things around for the LA Galaxy, as the Los Angeles FC midfielder prepares for a "weird" reunion with his former club in El Trafico.

On Sunday, LAFC visit Dignity Health Sports Park to face the reigning MLS Cup champions, who have made the worst start to a season in the competition's history.

The Galaxy have collected just three points through their first 13 games of the season, two fewer than any other club at this stage of a campaign.

They have lost their last five matches, going down 3-2 to the Philadelphia Union on Wednesday after being humiliated in a 7-0 defeat to the New York Red Bulls last weekend.

Delgado was part of the Galaxy's MLS Cup-winning team last year before making the move across Los Angeles, and while he wishes his former team well, he is desperate to beat them on Sunday.

"I definitely hope, personally, things go better for him," Delgado said of Vanney. "I hope Greg can get things turned around.

"I want to come out on top. It's a weird situation. You don't wish them too well because you want to do well yourself.

"It is definitely a different look, but at the end of the day it's a derby. Once that whistle blows and we're on the field, I'm locked in."

LAFC are fifth in the Western Conference standings, already 18 points better off than their rivals, having gone unbeaten through their last six games.

They trounced the Seattle Sounders 4-0 on Wednesday, having played out an entertaining 2-2 draw with the Western Conference leaders, the Vancouver Whitecaps, last Sunday.

Despite their dismal start to 2025, the Galaxy have put their faith in coach Vanney for the long term, handing him a contract extension to run through 2028 on Friday.

After penning that deal, which reportedly makes him the highest-paid coach in MLS, Vanney said in a statement: "I'm honoured to continue this journey with a club that has meant so much to me.

"We know we haven't started this season the way we intended, but we believe in the group, in the process, and in what we're building. 

"I'm fully committed to our players, our fans, and this organisation, and I'm excited for what's ahead."

PLAYERS TO WATCH 

LA Galaxy – Marco Reus

Reus has three goal involvements in eight appearances in MLS, with only Christian Ramirez (four goals, one assist) managing more for the Galaxy this campaign.

The Germany icon has also created 18 chances so far this year, with no player from either Los Angeles club managing more. 

Los Angeles FC – Jeremy Ebobisse

Ebobisse has scored 10 career regular-season goals against LA Galaxy, one of four players to score at least 10 goals against a single opponent in MLS since he made his debut in the league in 2017.

He was one of four players on the scoresheet in Wednesday's rout of Seattle, taking him to three goals in eight league outings this year.

MATCH PREDICTION – LOS ANGELES FC WIN

LAFC have only won one of their last 10 away matches in all competitions (D2 L7) dating back to the start of last season's playoffs. 

They closed the 2024 regular season with three straight away wins, however, and go into this game as big favourites.

The Galaxy's run of 13 straight matches without a win is the longest ever recorded by a team from the start of an MLS campaign.

Neutrals should expect entertainment, too. 

There has been an average of 4.3 combined goals per match scored in 24 all-time meetings between the Galaxy and LAFC. Eleven of those meetings have featured at least five goals.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

LA Galaxy – 32.9%

Los Angeles FC – 41.6%

Draw – 25.6%