CARSON, Calif. -- The SuperClasico is upon us.
Before you begin your pregame preparations, check out my look ahead to the game...
LINKS
The conversations are far less cordial this week between the LA Galaxy and the Chivas USA players in the halls of The Home Depot Center...actually, there are no conversations at all.
There will be plenty of mystery and tension ahead of this year's SuperClasico.
Could Tommy Meyer play a role in the SuperClasico? If he is called upon, he thinks that he will be ready.
Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena offered his thoughts on colorful new Chivas USA manager Jose Luis Sanchez Sola also known as "Chelis."
LAGalaxy.com writer Larry Morgan provided this preview to the game.
Lastly my Three Points to the game.
MATCHUPS TO WATCH
JUNINHO/MARCELO SARVAS vs. OSWALDO MINDA/EDGAR MEJIA
The most important battle of the game -- in my opinion -- will come down to which midfield is able to set the tempo. Will it be the Galaxy's possession-oriented Brazilians or Chivas' rough-and-tumble midfielders in Minda and Mejia, who will look to create frustrate the Galaxy early on with their physical play. Ultimately, if the Galaxy is able to hold possession and avoid getting drawn into a physical battle, they should be able to control the midfield.
ROBBIE KEANE vs. CHIVAS BACK LINE
Keane will have a significant advantage matching up against 37-year-old center back Joaquin Velasquez, but it will be up to LA's flank players to open up space for the Irishman to operate. Expect the Galaxy to use their width to stretch Chivas' back line and open up space for Keane up front. If the Irishman gets that space, then he may put Chivas' goalkeeper Dan Kennedy under considerable pressure.
OMAR GONZALEZ vs. JUAN AGUDELO
Agudelo enjoyed one of his best games in a Chivas USA uniform in Chivas' 3-1 win over FC Dallas last week, but he'll a much larger test this week in Omar Gonzalez. The Galaxy center back has been in form as of late and did well to wrap up Costa Rican leading scorer Yendrick Ruiz during LA's CONCACAF Champions League Quarterfinals series against C.S. Herediano. Against Agudelo, Gonzalez's height and physicality will be needed as he looks to stifle the speedy Agudelo.
PREDICTED LINEUPS
GALAXY: Cudicini; DeLaGarza, Gonzalez, Leonardo, Dunivant; Franklin, Sarvas, Juninho, Magee; Villarreal, Keane
CHIVAS USA: Kennedy; de Luna, Velasquez, Burling, Courtois; Bolanos, Mejia, Minda, Avila; Agudelo, Correa
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