CARSON, Calif. –LA Galaxy Insider Adam Serrano gives his Three Points to the SuperClasico as the Galaxy and Chivas USA look to snap their recent winless streaks.
WILL THE OFFENSE RETURN?
The LA Galaxy attack has stalled as of late with just one goal in four matches across all competitions, but LA hope that they will be able to get the offense in gear during the SuperClasico
LA will be facing a Chivas USA defense that has hemorrhaged goals this season, conceding a league-high 29 times with 22 of those goals being allowed during their recent nine-game winless streak. The Galaxy should have chances against the struggling Rojiblancos, but just how Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena will organize his attack remains to be seen. Since Wednesday’s scoreless draw against the Portland Timbers, captain Robbie Keane has lobbied to start alongside Landon Donovan up top, but Arena may opt to push Donovan into midfield and place Gyasi Zardes next to the Irishman.
However Arena decides to line up his attacking players; one can expect plenty of interchange between the Galaxy attackers, something that was prevalent against Portland. This movement between the forwards and the wide midfielders ought to lead to scoring chances for LA as they look to snap their poor run of form in front of goal.
MYSTERIOUS CHIVAS USA
In a rivalry game, records are the first thing to go out the window and that makes moribund Chivas USA particularly dangerous in Sunday’s SuperClasico.
The Rojiblancos are something of a mystery as of late as they are currently on a nine-game league winless streak and sit in last place in the Western Conference. After firing flamboyant coach Jose Luis Sanchez Sola last month, Chivas have changed their playing style from a physical all-out attack mentality to a measured possession game under new coach Jose Luis Real. The match will be the second game in charge for the ex-Guadalajara boss after his club blew an early lead in a 3-1 defeat to Vancouver Whitecaps FC on Wednesday.
For all the changes that the Rojiblancos have undergone, one aspect of their squad remains constant and that is the presence of goalkeeper Dan Kennedy. Although Chivas’ defense has been unable to keep a shutout this year, Kennedy’s penchant for making spectacular saves will present a challenge for the Galaxy attack.
THE RETURN OF GONZALEZ AND SARVAS
As the Galaxy look to shut down Chivas USA, their efforts will be furthered by the return of center back Omar Gonzalez from international duty and midfielder Marcelo Sarvas from suspension.
With Gonzalez returning, LA will have the chance to roll out their familiar back four of Sean Franklin, Gonzalez, A.J. DeLaGarza, and Todd Dunivant for the first time since their May 19th loss away to New York. After conceding eight goals in two defeats prior to Wednesday’s scoreless draw, LA hope the return of their “classic” back four can help prevent the type of defensive breakdowns that became commonplace over the past month.
Meanwhile in midfield, Rafael Garcia performed admirably for the suspended Sarvas against Portland, but the return of the Brazilian is likely to boost a Galaxy midfield that will be in for a physical battle against Chivas. With Sarvas resuming his role in the center, Juninho is expected to take up his usual place in front of the defense while Sarvas attempts to break up possessions and spark counterattacks by moving across the field.
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog at LAGalaxy.com/Insider and contact him at LAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com
