Los Angeles Galaxy vs. New York Red Bulls: 10 Bold Predictions

It’s a showdown of the top two media markets in the country, a battle between East Coast bias and West Coast liberalism as Bruce Arena’s Los Angeles Galaxy travel to Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J. to take on Mike Petke’s New York Red Bulls.

May 5, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Michael Stephens (26) passes the ball in the second half of the game against the New York Red Bulls at the Home Depot Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Los Angeles come into the contest with a record of 5-3-2 (17 points), good enough for third place in the MLS Western Conference. As for New York, they are doing even better this season. The Red Bulls are the best team in the MLS Eastern Conference with a record of 6-4-3 (21 points).

Kickoff is scheduled for 10 a.m. PT/1 p.m. ET and will be televised by ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes. Here are 10 Bold Predictions for the Los Angeles Galaxy vs. the New York Red Bulls.

1. Goals, Goals, Goals!

This is going to be a fun night for scoring. Over five goals will be scored in a wild shooout in the middle of May at Red Bull Arena. Luis Robles and Carlo Cudicini, take a back seat, please.

2. Thierry Henry with a brace

Thierry Henry is New York’s top goalscorer with five goals this season. Henry seems to find his stride against the big names in any league, and against the Galaxy, he will be on goal twice.

3. Fabian Espindola’s hotstreak against LA continues

Forward Fabian Espindola has had a history of scoring goals against the Los Angeles Galaxy as a member of Real Salt Lake. Now as a member of the Red Bulls, it’s going to be more of the same as Espi get another one past Cudicini.

4. No goals or assists from Tim Cahill

Tim Cahill has had three goals this season for New York, but the former Everton ace and longtime Socceroos standout is not going to get on the scoresheet on Sunday afternoon against the Galaxy.

5. Meet Juninho…Pernambucano, that is

May 4, 2013; Columbus, OH, USA; New York Red Bulls forward Thierry Henry (14) looks on as his team sets up for a corner kick at Crew Stadium. The New York Red Bulls beat the Columbus Crew 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowksi-USA TODAY Sports

Juninho Pernambucano has had three assists to his credit this season for the New York Red Bulls, and he will get two more on Sunday against the Galaxy.

6. Landon Donovan with at least a goal and an assist

After an impressive performance against the Philadelphia Union, midfielder Landon Donovan will be on the scoresheet with at least a goal and an assist to lead the Galaxy.

7. Robbie Keane with a brace

Robbie Keane will need to find his scoring masterstroke on Sunday in order to give LA a chance at winning this weekend against New York. Keane will get a brace on Sunday.

8. Under ten saves for both goalkeepers combined

Both Luis Robles and Carlo Cudicini are going to struggle tonight against two high-powered offenses that are capable of slicing apart the other team’s defensive back line. Under ten saved combined will be made from Robles and Cudicini.

9. Over 25 fouls, under four yellows

As with the Galaxy’s last match, it will be fast and fluid, and the referee’s intervention will be consistent. Over 25 fouls will be whistled and under four yellows will be issued.

10. This match will end in a draw

In the end, we have an entertaining match on the way in Harrison, and this match will see goals, but neither side will prevail. Sunday’s afternoon tilt on The Deuce will end in a draw.

Los Angeles Galaxy 3, New York Red Bulls 3