We're just a few hours away from the LA Galaxy's match against the Colorado Rapids. Before you begin your pregame ritual, check out my links and match ups to watch...
Robbie Keane is unavailable due to international duty and while LA have a host of options up top. One possibility could see Homegrown forwards Jose Villarreal and Jack McBean together. If they do, veteran Mike Magee has confidence that they can succeed.
Keane's absence means that Todd Dunivant will takeover the captain's armband.
Forward isn't the place that head coach Bruce Arena will have to make a change in central defense as he must also replace defender Omar Gonzalez.
Whoever starts in the Galaxy defense will need to put the brakes on speedy Jamaican forward Deshorn Brown.
LAGalaxy.com writer Larry Morgan provided his preview to the match against the Rapids.
Lastly, my Three Points to the game.
MATCH UPS TO WATCH
Deshorn Brown vs. A.J. DeLaGarza
Perhaps the key match up of the night, Brown has been a revelation for Colorado during the first three matches of his career, but he'll face a stiff test in the crafty DeLaGarza. Expect the Galaxy to allow DeLaGarza to use his speed to blanket the quick Jamaican forward.
Todd Dunivant and Colin Clark vs. Marvell Wynne
Not a traditional match up but Galaxy captain Todd Dunivant and Colin Clark will have their hands full with Marvel Wynne, who has been known to create chances with his wide receiver-like speed while blazing down the flanks.
Galaxy midfield duo vs. Colorado's midfield trio
The battle for possession will come down to LA's Brazilian midfield pair of Marcelo Sarvas and Juninho against Colorado's midfield triangle of Kevin Harbottle, Hendry Thomas and Dillon Powers. Colorado will be looking to pressure LA into conceding possession -- perhaps not unlike what Chivas USA did last week -- which means that LA's Brazilian midfield must spread the ball around and open up space in the attack.
PREDICTED LINEUP
Cudicini; Franklin, DeLaGarza, Leonardo, Dunivant; Magee, Sarvas, Juninho, Clark; Villarreal, McBean
PREDICTION
Galaxy 2-1. Goals from Villarreal, Dunivant (LA) and Brown (COL).
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What is your predicted lineup for the game? What is the predicted score?
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