LA Galaxy vs. LAFC: Three Questions

The big day is nearly here, as Los Angeles Football Club travel to Carson to take on the LA Galaxy at StubHub Center on Saturday afternoon.

You many or may not have spent much time thinking about the Galaxy as far as their actual situation right now, so in order to get you caught up we’ve brought in Kyle Sennikoff from LAG Confidential to talk about the other side. Many thanks to Kyle for taking the time to answer my questions!

Angels on Parade asks LAG Confidential:

1. Last year was in many respects the Galaxy’s worst year ever. In what ways have they rebounded, and in what ways are concerns still lingering about their prospects for this season?

I think Sigi Schmid has rebuilt the squad tremendously. He’s brought in better depth at multiple positions and has found a gem of a central defender in the league in Jørgen Skjelvik. He’s a real quick defender and reads the game superbly. I think our defense is in good shape with him in the starting XI.

Health is still a major issue. You and everyone else saw our injury list against the Vancouver Whitecaps. All three Designated Players were out. Depth can only be tested so much. If we can remain healthy, I think we have a good chance of making it back to the playoffs as a wild card.

2. I’m really curious to hear about the DP situation. The dos Santos brothers are going to be good at some point, right? Why haven’t they been as good as promised, in your opinion? And will Zlatan bring the substance to go with the style?

Romain Alessandrini is the only DP who has done what was expected of him so far. The attacks often run through him, as he seems to be involved in every move further up the pitch. Gio is the only one I really have a concern with. GDS started well and can turn it on like a light switch, but it’s rare when he does that now. Jona, on the other hand, may be coming into his own. JDS looked solid in the first match of the season and if he can continue that trend, I think we’ll be just fine there.

How does Zlatan fit into this? There’s probably going to be a change of formation to be able to utilize both Ola Kamara and Ibrahimovic. I’d say Sigi is going to move into a 4-2-4, and you would expect to see tons of crosses into the box and long balls over the top.

3. Another thing I’m curious about is what you all think about LAFC so far. I’m sure you have some thoughts one way or another.

Winning two road games in a row in MLS is never easy, so that feat is certainly impressive. But it’s LAFC, and I’m sure the vast majority of the Galaxy supporters will want to see your side wilt away from playoff contention as the season goes on.

4. (Bonus) Prediction for this game?

It depends on the health of our squad. How many of our DPs are going to play Saturday afternoon? One? All? If we don’t have at least Alessandrini, I don’t think we have much of a chance of grabbing all three points. I could see this thing playing to a 2-2 draw, especially with that defense of ours.

What do you think? Leave a comment below!