CARSON, Calif. -- We're hours away from Saturday night's match between the LA Galaxy and Sporting KC. Before you head to the match, check out a series of links, matchups to watch and my predicted lineup....
LINKS
Injuries took a bite out of the LA Galaxy's starting XI last week, but this week Todd Dunivant, Sean Franklin and Robbie Keane look set to return to the fold.
Landon Donovan is hoping that this is the week that it "all comes together."
Leonardo is suspended due to a red card against FC Dallas leaving the door open for A.J. DeLaGarza or Tommy Meyer to start alongside Omar Gonzalez.
Jose Villarreal suffered a shoulder knock during a Reserve League game on Monday, but he is confident that he'll be available against Sporting.
LA will look to break the Sporting KC shutout streak which currently sits at 512 minutes. I talk to the Galaxy about snapping the streak here.
Could Gyasi Zardes make the gameday roster or is it a bridge too far for the youngster?
LAGalaxy.com's Larry Morgan has provided his preview of the game.
Lastly, check out my Three Points to the match.
MATCHUPS TO WATCH:
Robbie Keane vs. Aurélien Collin
Keane is expected to return to the Galaxy starting lineup and will be greeted by the flamboyant French center back, who is fresh off shutting down Thierry Henry in Sporting's midweek match against New York Red Bulls. Expect Keane to attempt to pull Collin -- and his partner in central defense Matt Besler -- out of position to open up space for the likes of Donovan and Mike Magee.
Todd Dunivant vs. Graham Zusi
The technical right midfielder will provide fits for Dunivant, who is expected to return to the Galaxy starting XI. Positioning will be key in this battle as Zusi has a knack for getting behind opposing defenses and firing crosses into the box.
Omar Gonzalez vs. Claudio Bieler
Bieler has been one of the best additions in MLS so far this season with four goals to date, but he'll face a stiff challenge in Gonzalez, who is currently in the best form of his career right now.
PREDICTED LINEUP:
Cudicini; Franklin, Gonzalez, DeLaGarza, Dunivant; Donovan, Juninho, Sarvas, Magee; Keane, McBean
--
What are your prediction for Saturday's match? What lineup do you see LA using?
Share your thoughts below.
