Chivas USA (5-11-4) enter the final third of the season today at 7 p.m. at Home Depot Center against the only MLS team with an even worse record then them – 4-14-3 D.C. United, who have one eye on a U.S. Open Cup game later in the week (as do Chivas USA, of course).

So this is Chivas USA’s big chance to snag a home win on national television (ESPN2). After all, United have won just one of their last nine games, while Chivas have won, um, twice in their last six outings in all competitions.

But United won 3-2 earlier in the season against Chivas USA – on an 89th minute goal by former Chivas USA defender Carey Talley – who they had discarded and promptly returned to the club he’d started his career with before coming to Southern California.

With midweek games looming, lineup changes are expected for both teams tonight. Chivas USA midfielder Blair Gavin is questionable with a left hamstring strain.

More on the game from a fan perspective – giveways, ticket offers and activities – is here.