MLS is back with a full slate of games, and boy are there some mouthwatering fixtures to sink our teeth into this weekend. From a derby in Los Angeles to Hell is Real, points are at a premium and so are bragging rights. With all that said, let’s dig into some of the biggest stories ahead of the weekend.

Fixture of the weekend

While there are a handful of great rivalries to choose from this weekend, you can’t look past the LA Derby — and no, we won’t use that other silly name.

There is always added spice when the two Los Angeles clubs meet, but considering they occupy the top-two spots in the Western Conference, more than just local bragging rights are on the line.

For some added novelty, it will be an introduction to the rivalry for the Galaxy’s Marco Reus and LAFC’s Olivier Giroud, not that they are strangers to feisty fixtures from their time in Europe.

A win for the Galaxy could give them some breathing room at the top of the conference, though LAFC do still hold a pair of games in hand.

Meanwhile, the Black and Gold have dropped points in two straight MLS games, but a win in Carson could go some way towards righting the ship and making a major statement at the top of the conference.

Player to watch

Aug 24, 2024; Portland, Oregon, USA; St. Louis CITY SC forward Simon Becher (11) stands during the singing of the National Anthem before a game against Portland Timbers at Providence Park. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

Simon Becher is quickly making a name for himself in Major League Soccer. A former Vancouver Whitecaps draft pick, Becher has scored two goals in three games since signing for St. Louis City on loan from Danish side AC Horsens.

Along with fellow summer signings Marcel Hartel and Cedric Teuchert, St. Louis’ attack has caught fire, though it may be too late do anything with the heat.

Nonetheless, Becher, and the rest of the City attack have become must-watch TV after scoring eight goals in their last three games.

Two questions ahead of the matchday

Which MVP candidate will dominate Hell is Real? 

It’s Cucho vs Lucho, and we can’t wait. The two prolific forwards will go head to head on Saturday, and while bragging rights in Ohio are on the line, so is the MVP race potentially.

Hernández has bagged 13 goals and 6 assists in 20 MLS games this season, while Acosta has racked up a sumptuous tally of 11 goals and 15 assists in 25 games. The numbers tell the story.

Acosta was on the scoresheet last time the two teams met, as Cincinnati scraped past with a 2-1 win, but far bigger points are up for grabs this time around.

How does Messi’s return change things for Inter Miami? 

Lionel Messi is finally set to return to for Inter Miami after a lengthy injury absence, but the Herons have been doing just fine without him.

After handily winning their two MLS games back from the Leagues Cup break, Miami have all but cemented themselves as Supporters Shield winners, lead by the scorching form of Luis Suárez and his supporting cast.

But Messi’s return will ultimately force changes. The great man will add more ruthlessness to the front line, but the press, which Miami has greatly improved, could suffer.