The final 90 minutes of the 2024 MLS season are upon us as the Galaxy and the Red Bulls prepare for a showdown in Carson to crown a new league champion.

Ahead of the highly anticipated cup final, let’s look at some of the key talking points of the weekend.

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The galaxy needs to solve its Puig problem

November 24, 2024; Carson, California, USA; LA Galaxy midfielder Riqui Puig (10) reacts after playing against Minnesota United in a 2024 MLS Cup conference semifinal game at Dignity Health Sports Park. Mandatory credit: Kelvin Kuo-Imagn

It’s a huge shame for everyone involved in MLS that, along with Inter Miami’s superstars, arguably the most watched player in the league will miss this weekend’s final. However, after midfielder Riqui Puig was confirmed to have a torn cruciate ligament, the Galaxy need to find a new pacemaker in the middle.

To make matters worse, Marco Reus, the most obvious replacement for Puig in the Galaxy squad, may be making a game-time decision with fitness issues of his own. However, the German was confident that he would be able to take part in the run-up to the final this weekend.

Goals shouldn’t be a problem for Greg Vanney’s team. The trio of Gabriel Pec, Joseph Paintsil and Dejan Joveljić have been electric throughout the playoffs, but it’s no secret that Puig is pulling the strings from a deeper position in the middle of the park.

If Reus can start, it shouldn’t be too much of a deficit, but a Puig-less Galaxy are nowhere near as unstoppable as the crafty Spaniard.

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It’s time for Emil Forsberg to make his mark on MLS

November 3, 2024; Harrison, New Jersey, USA; New York Red Bulls midfielder Emil Forsberg (10) celebrates a second-half goal against the Columbus Crew in a first round game of the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs at Red Bull Arena. Mandatory attribution: Tom Horak-Imagn Images

The Swede was brought into the club precisely for such moments. With a lot of European experience and the talent to manage a game on his own. A Forsberg masterclass is the Red Bulls’ best chance of stealing a result in Carson on Saturday.

The 33-year-old can pull the strings behind forward duo Dante Vanzier and Lewis Morgan, who have saved their best performances this season for the playoffs.

“He is not only a great player, but also a great person,” said head coach Sandro Schwarz this week.

“He leads the team off the field, in the dressing room and, importantly, with his experience. He feels responsibility for the team.”

While that kind of responsibility may be a burden for some, Forsberg should relish the opportunity to deliver silverware to a club that has always fallen short when it mattered most.

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A clash of identities on the pitch

November 1, 2024; Commerce City, Colorado, USA; LA Galaxy head coach Greg Vanney looks on during the second half against the Colorado Rapids in a first round game of the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. Mandatory attribution: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

If you’re hoping for entertaining football in the MLS Cup final on Saturday, you may not have to wait long before your wishes come true.

Greg Vanney’s possession-first style of football has given the neutrals some excellent results. Their 69 goals scored in the regular season represented the highest tally in the Western Conference, while their 50 goals conceded mark was tied for the most of any top 10 team in MLS.

How the aforementioned loss of Riqui Puig will impact this possession remains to be seen, but the Galaxy will look to take the game to their visitors regardless of personnel selection.

The Red Bulls, on the other hand, are committed to the style of play that comes from the top of the Red Bull Football Group. High pressing and energetic attacks are the be-all and end-all of the Harrison team.

While they limped through the back half of the regular season, we’ve seen just how effective their style of play has been so far in the playoffs. Give New York 30 minutes to blow a team away by overwhelming them and they will put on a show.

The clash of styles should perfectly prepare us to spark some sparks on the pitch on Saturday. One side will do their best to control the game and suffocate the opponent, while one side will try to disrupt, cause chaos and create their moments to be electrifying. Buckle up, people.