Look ahead to Dallas: LA Galaxy prepare for battle against FC Dallas in "six point game"

CARSON, Calif. – We’re just a few hours away from tonight’s LA Galaxy match against FC Dallas.

My match look ahead is below…

LINKS TO READ:

The pregame game notes are here.

Bruce Arena offered his thoughts ahead of tonight’s match on Saturday. 

Robbie Keane’s status is in question for Sunday after the Irish forward was not seen during the final 15 minutes of practice on Saturday. If he’s unable to go, look for Jose Villarreal to earn the start.

Omar Gonzalez bobbleheads will be given out tonight to the first 10,000 fans at StubHub Center. Gonzalez will need to impress on Sunday if LA is to be successful as he matches up against FC Dallas forward Blas Perez.

Remember, if you bought tickets to the “Messi and Friends” exhibition, you’ll be able to purchase tickets at a discounted rate for the Galaxy match tonight.

For a match preview, here’s LAGalaxy.com Larry Morgan’s view of the game.

Lastly, my Three Points to the game.

PREVIEW QUOTE:

“They’ve got some big forwards. They’re a team with a lot of height, so we have to limit their chances especially because we have two or three guys over 6 foot and they’ve about six. It’s going to be a big part of this game. We have to limit their chances because they have quick guys who can whip balls in and big guys who can hold balls up front. It’s going to be a good battle for it.

            - LA Galaxy center back A.J. DeLaGarza

MATCHUPS TO WATCH:

OMAR GONZALEZ vs. Blas Perez

A true battle of the titans. Expect a physical battle between the two hulking players, who are likely to battle in the final third on every foray forward. Gonzalez will need to keep the Panamanian in front of him at all times, if he is to prevent him from testing the Galaxy net.

MARCELO SARVAS vs. David Ferreira

Expect the Brazilian to pressure the Colombian playmaker early and often as he looks to prevent the 2010 MLS MVP from creating opportunities for Dallas in the attacking third.  If Sarvas can put the clamps on Ferreira then FCD will lose a major weapon in the offense.

GYASI ZARDES vs. FC DALLAS DEFENSE

Zardes has piled up the scoring chances over the past four games and he’s sure to get plenty against the shaky Keel. FCD conceded 18 attempts on goal to an inconsistent Chivas side earlier in the week, and are likely to allow plenty of room for the Galaxy to operate on Sunday. However, if Zardes gets past the Dallas back four, he’ll still need to beat FCD’s stellar goalkeeper Raul Fernandez.

PREDICTED LINEUP:

Cudicini; Franklin, Gonzalez, DeLaGarza, Dunivant; Jimenez, Sarvas, Juninho, Rogers; Zardes, Keane