<b>KEY PLAYERS :</b>
ATTACKING
After serving his suspension against New York, <b>Darren Mattocks</b> should return to the starting lineup against LA. The Jamaican’s pace should test the Galaxy’s backline, which likes to play a high line when defending and has conceded a high number of goals this season. Rennie’s hope is that Mattocks will show the same finishing ability that he displayed against the Dynamo rather than what he showed against the Sounders.
There were questions as to whether <b>David Beckham</b> still has enough in the tank to make a significant contribution to the Galaxy this season. While it was a slow start for the former English International, he has been able to increase his production lately with 1 goal and 3 assists in his last four starts. Beckham is also playing more centrally this year for LA instead of the normal right midfield position he has played in past years.
[PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
DEFENCE
With the Galaxy playing an attacking style of football it will be up to <b>Joe Cannon</b> to be the last line of defense for the Caps. So far this season the veteran keeper has been one the best players for Vancouver and could arguably be the club’s MVP. Cannon has done well in organizing the backline and is not hesitant to come off his line when challenging attackers and crosses.
Having played in every minute this season for the Galaxy, right back <b>Sean Franklin</b> has become one the most reliable players for Bruce Arena. He loves to get forward on the attack and has a high work rate that allows him to track back quickly when their end needs to be defended. The California native was named as the 2008 MLS rookie of the year and is considered one of the best young defenders in MLS.
<b>WHO'S ON FORM :</b>
Except for a few hiccups against the Rapids, <b>Martin Bonjour</b> has had a good run of performances in recent games. He was already on his way to a 'man of the match' performance with his defensive play against New York. As a bonus he scored a goal in the 75th minute, off a Chiumiento cross, with a finish that normally comes from a striker.
Since coming back from the U.S. national team <b>Landon Donovan</b> has been the Galaxy’s best player, especially in their last win against RSL where he scored two goals and had an assist in a 3-2 win. With a number of injuries to their forward ranks, the American could play as a striker or wide on the left wing. Last season Donovan burned Vancouver in their first meeting, as he picked a brace and a helper in a 4-0 win.
<b>2012 RECORD :</b>
Vancouver:
7W-5D-3L
3rd in Western Conference
Last Match: 1-1 Draw vs New York Red Bulls
Los Angeles:
5W-2D-8L
7th in Eastern Conference
Last Match: 3-2 Win at Real Salt Lake
<b>PROJECTED LINE-UPS :</b>
<b>INJURIES/MISSING :</b>
Vancouver:
Out: GK Brian Sylvestre (knee), FW Atiba Harris (knee), FW Omar Salgado (foot)
Doubtful: MF Matt Watson (R ankle sprain)
Los Angeles:
Out: DF Andrew Boyens (hernia), FW Edson Buddle (knee), FW Adam Cristman (concussion), DF Omar Gonzalez (knee), MF Dan Keat (knee), DF Leonardo (knee)
Questionable: DF Bryan Gaul (facial fracture), MF Hector Jimenez (quad), FW Pat Noonan (quad), MF Kyle Nakazawa (back)
<b>GAME ANALYSIS :</b>
Vancouver Whitecaps hit the road after three straight home matches to face the Los Angeles Galaxy in Southern California. It is the first matchup this season between the two clubs but the second time the Caps will play in the Home Depot Center, having defeated Chivas USA for their first road win in franchise history. The Whitecaps were dominated last season by the Galaxy losing 4-0 at Empire and then 3-0 on the road.
The starting lineup will be similar to the one that defeated Houston and Colorado as Darren Mattocks returns from a game suspension to start up top as their striker. Beside him on the wings should be Davide Chiumiento on the left and Sebastien Le Toux on the right side.
Two of the midfield spots will go to Gershon Koffie and Jun Marques Davidson while the third starter will be either John Thorrington, if he is rested enough, or Michael Nanchoff.
The backline will be similar to the majority of games this season, with Martin Bonjour partnering Jay DeMerit, while Alain Rochat will be on the left and Lee Young-Pyo on the right. No surprise with who starts in goal as Joe Cannon continues to start in every MLS game this year.
Of the Galaxy big three, only Donovan can be considered a guaranteed starter as Robbie Keane may not be ready to play coming back from Euros and David Beckham may not be able to start for the third time in a week. The Brazilian central midfielder Juninho is another player to be wary of, while Mike Magee will be a threat for LA on the wing.
When the Caps go out on the attac,k expect a number of early long balls to Mattocks in order to test the Galaxy who like to play a high backline. Even if the tactic doesn’t work it will force LA to back up which will give more space in the middle of the pitch for the midfielders to work the ball up. The Galaxy are strong on the outside so it may be more difficult for the wide players to make runs down the sideline and get their crosses into the box.
The Galaxy are the last team in MLS that the Caps have yet to get a result against, going pointless against them last year. A solid effort by the club could also reverse the upset feelings the players had after a match that felt more of a loss than a draw. A win or a tie would also extend their MLS unbeaten streak to six and would be a good start to Vancouver’s five game road trip.
<b>AFTN Prediction: Los Angeles Galaxy 2 Vancouver Whitecaps 1</b>
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