Two sides battling to better their lot will likely lean on the players prepared to get their hands dirty for the cause, and both the Colorado Rapids and LA Galaxy - meeting this Saturday at StubHub Center (Altitude 9:00 p.m. MT) - have such individuals in Micheal Azira and Jermaine Jones.

Azira has played more minutes this season than any other on the Rapids roster, while Jones has again had a campaign interrupted far too often. In his fourth season in MLS, the talented Jones has appeared in just 50 of a possible 127 games (starting 44), mainly due to injuries and suspension. The match in Portland (August 23) was Azira's 50th start for the Rapids in only his second season.

When on the field, Jones likes to boss and will look to impress against his former club. Expect Azira to again go about his business in a more discreet manner. The Uganda international breaks up play, and brings others in. Jones, on the other hand, is often keen to be involved at the beginning, the middle, and the end.

Each, though, possess an approach and a spirit which will be vital to their respective teams, as the two struggling sides go in search of a much-needed win.