Galaxy vs Chivas USA: Preview

Since their playoff clash in 2009, Los Angeles Derby favored Galaxy, although last meeting between hometown rivals, the first one of this season, ended 1-1.

While Jorge Vergara is ready to return the club to its Mexcian roots, on the field Chivas USA are ready for the upcoming SuperClasico against Galaxy. After Jose Luis "Chelis" Sanchez Sola is gone, Chivas USA started a new regime under new manager José Luis Real. "We changed our playing style drastically. Tactically, we’re a little better positioned and we’re not so hectic. So now it’s a little more calm and hopefully the transition is smooth,” told goalkeeper Dan Kennedy. In effect, the Rojiblancos switched from Chelis’ three-man back line to a more MLS usual flat four defence. But other adjustements are to be made as Chivas USA allowed 20 goals in a seven games stretch, after allowing just six goals in the previous six matches. Real’s squad also needs to improve on the other side of the game, as offense failed to produce since Juan Agudelo left. Tristan Bowen, Jose Correa, and Miller Bolanos are the only attackers actually available. Against Chivas, Real could line up the same 4-1-4-1 he utilized against Seattle Sounders FC at The Home Depot Center with Correa as centre forward and Bowen at the right wing spot. Walter Vilchez should stay at centre back with Oswaldo Minda lining up as holding midfielder in front of the back four and Jorge Villafana still on the flank.

On the other side, Omar Gonzalez and Robbie Keane are back with the team so the talent gap is still there. With Gonzalez returning, coach Bruce Arena could line up his classic starting back line featuring Sean Franklin, Gonzalez, A.J. DeLaGarza, and Todd Dunivant. On the midfield, although Rafael Garcia performed well against Portland, the returning Brazilian Sarvas is likely to claim his spot in the middle of the pitch with Juninho expected to come back to his anchor man role in Galaxy midfield. It'll be interesting to see if Arena will start newcomer Pablo Mastroeni or if he will insert him within the game. Up front, Arena will have to choice if pair Landon Donovan to Robbie Keane or to line up Donovan as attacking midfielder in a 4-3-1-2 formation, pushing Gyasi Zardes up alongside Keane.