Toronto FC vs. Los Angeles Galaxy: 10 Bold Predictions

Before the test with CF Monterrey takes place, there is one final item of business to be completed for Bruce Arena’s Los Angeles Galaxy in the month of March. Los Angeles travel to BMO Field in Toronto, Ont. to take on Ryan Nelsen’s Toronto FC on Mar. 30. Kickoff is scheduled for 11 a.m. PT/2 p.m. ET and will be televised by Time Warner Cable SportsNet.

Mar 23, 2013; Carson, CA, USA; Los Angeles Galaxy merchandise on sale before the game against the Colorado Rapids at The Home Depot Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Here are 10 Bold Predictions for Saturday’s tilt between the Los Angeles Galaxy and Toronto FC.

1. Robbie Keane will not start on Saturday

Forward Robbie Keane will not start on Saturday due to a calf injury he suffered in the Republic of Ireland’s 2014 FIFA World Cup Qualifier with Sweden. There is a chance he might play late in the contest if the injury is not too bad, but as it stands, he won’t be on the pitch.

2. Landon Donovan reclaims the armband for LA

The sabbatical for midfielder Landon Donovan will end this week, and with a renewed vigor and drive, LD will be the captain on Saturday afternoon in Toronto. He will also score a goal and an assist in his return to action.

3. Robert Earnshaw on the scoresheet for the Reds

Robert Earnshaw leads Toronto FC in goals with three to his credit. The new acquisition has been a driving force behind TFC’s resurgency and will be on goal in the first half of play.

4. Jack McBean solves Joseph Bendik early

Joseph Bendik has made seven saves for Toronto this season, but he has yet to witness the young threat that is Jack McBean, who came close a few times to notching home his second of the season. This time, the player whose fans call McFrijolito will hammer one past Bendik in the first half of play to break the match wide open.

5. Juninho with at least two assists

Mar 23, 2013; Carson, CA, USA; Kids test their soccer skills at the Los Angeles Galaxy fan fest taking place before the game against the Colorado Rapids at The Home Depot Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Juninho is LA’s main set piece specialist, but with Donovan potentially returning to the team this weekend, he will instead be responsible for some assists on the run of play. The young Brazilian will get at least two assists to help the cause of the Los Angeles Galaxy.

6. Omar Comin’, once again

Should the USA not get a result against Mexico, or even if the USA do get the result they need, defender Omar Gonzalez will have a solid outing. Gonzo will have a pass success rating of 80 percent or better, along with at least six recoveries, interceptions and clearances.

7. Mike Magee with No. 5

Mike Magee has been a fan favorite of the Galaxy for a lot of reasons, with the top reason being: he’s a scorer, period. On Saturday against Toronto, Magee will score his fifth of the season and make an early case to be a MLS All-Star selection later this year.

8. Under five saves for Carlo Cudicini

With the Galaxy back line playing at full strength, not much work will need to be done from Carlo Cudicini. Last weekend, he only had to make three saves against the Colorado Rapids. This weekend, it should be more of the same as Los Rayados are expected to field a much stiffer challenge. Cudicini will need to make under five saves on Saturday.

9. Over 25 fouls and at least four cards

This will be another tough match with plenty of fouls and cards. Over 25 fouls will be whistled and at least four cards will be handed out, one of them being a red card. This is going to be ugly.

10. Los Angeles wins another one

But in spite of the rough play, the View from Avalon boldly predicts another victory for the Los Angeles Galaxy, giving the club the momentum they need as they get set for the 2012-13 CONCACAF Champions League semifinal home-and-home with CF Monterrey.

Los Angeles Galaxy 3, Toronto FC 1