CARSON, Calif. -- The LA Galaxy and the San Jose Earthquakes will face off on Friday in the 58th regular season edition of the California Clasico.
To get you ready for the match, a series of links, matchups to watch and a prediction are provided below.
LINKS:
Steven Gerrard will make his LA Galaxy MLS debut on Friday, and may play up top due to the Galaxy's lack of forwards.
To honor (honour?) Gerrard's MLS debut against the hated Earthquakes, we look at his record in the Merseyside Derby in the California Clasico.
In the latest edition of 90 in 90, Joe Tutino and Cobi Jones break down the game.
Lastly, LAGalaxy.com's Larry Morgan provides a preview of the match.
MATCHUPS TO WATCH:
Steven Gerrard vs. Clarence Goodson
Gerrard himself seemed to indicate that he'll start up top alongside Robbie Keane on Friday due to LA's shortage of forwards. He'll face an opponent in Goodson who will look to close down on any opportunities that the Englishman creates.
Sebastian Lletget vs. Jordan Stewart
Lletget is currently the one of the most in form players in MLS but he had one of his worst performances against the towering San Jose left back. Stewart's tendency to wander forward, should offer Lletget chances to exploit, however.
Robbie Rogers vs. Sanna Nyassi
In what could be his first game back from an achilles injury, Robbie Rogers must mark the speedy Sanna Nyassi who was a thorn in the Galaxy's side when the two teams last met in league play. As dangerous as Nyassi is in the attack, the Gambian's defensive deficiencies could help Rogers spark LA on the counter.
PREDICTION:
LA Galaxy 2 (Keane, Gerrard) San Jose 1 (Salinas)
