CARSON, Calif. -- The LA Galaxy will take on Mexican giant C.F. Monterrey in the CONCACAF Champions League Semifinal first leg on Wednesday and as you prepare for the match check out a few links, matchups to watch and my predicted lineup below...
The LA Galaxy will have Robbie Keane and Landon Donovan at their disposal on Wednesday, each hungry to contribute.
Omar Gonzalez has plenty of connections to Monterrey and admits that the two-leg series will be emotional.
Jose Villarreal also grew up watching the Monterrey and is excited about the prospect of facing Los Rayados.
Two dispatches from the Monterrey side: Backup 'keeper Juan de Dios Ibarra is confident that the can put in a strong performance against LA while head coach Victor Manuel Vucetich has plenty of compliments for Galaxy forward Robbie Keane.
LAGalaxy.com Larry Morgan offered this preview of the CCL match.
Lastly, read my Three Points to the match.
MATCHUPS TO WATCH
Aldo De Nigris vs. Omar Gonzalez
The lethal finisher takes on the rock solid defender in this battle that will determine the outcome of the game. Gonzalez will have his hands full with De Nigris and his strike partner Humberto Suazo, but his positioning will be key to keeping Monterrey off the board.
Monterrey set pieces vs. Galaxy set pieces
Expect the game to come down to finishing dead ball opportunities as both team are extremely proficient at set pieces. LA's Juninho and Monterrey's Humberto Suazo each have a knack for creating and finishing chances off corners and free kicks.
Robbie Keane vs. Jose Maria Basanta
The battle of the captains. LA expect to have Robbie Keane back in the starting XI against Monterrey and he'll be expected to test veteran center back José María Basanta. The Argentine has been one of Los Rayados' finest contributors as of late and was recently called into Argentina's roster for World Cup Qualifying.
PREDICTED LINEUP
Cudicini; DeLaGarza, Gonzalez, Leonardo, Dunivant; Franklin, Sarvas, Juninho, Magee; Keane, Villarreal
