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Today soccer football statistics site Who Scored added MLS to their large database of soccer info (link) so for this week's match preview we'll take a look at what they offer and try to expand on the information given. Starting with the probable lineup, they give LA the follow look.
LA Galaxy: Cudicini; Franklin, Meyer, DeLaGarza, Dunivant; Donovan, Sarvas, Rogers, Stephens; Zardes, Villarreal
I've heard nothing about Juninho being unavailable, even after suffering two bad knocks over the last two matches. At any rate, Robbie Rogers is not starting line-up ready yet. If he were to start, it would be like Omar Gonzalez last year coming back from injury, a planned 45 minute start. On the road, playing on Foxboro's turf, I'd bet against that happening. Otherwise this is about right. Tommy Meyer has won the backup center-back spot from Leonardo, and the two available Homegrown forwards will mix it up together.
Update: MLS Fantasy has released their ins and outs for the week. They still list Dunivant as questionable and have Cochrane starting in New England. There's nothing about a Juninho absence, but they do chose Leonardo over Meyer. That decision is essentially a coin flip, with neither player having been in the mix for awhile.
It's worth noting that Robbie Keane and Mike Magee have eleven of the Galaxy's goals this year, while the probable lineup for LA has only scored six. Keane is also responsible for four assists. Landon Donovan is going to have to step up for this one.
What LA does have is four assists in their highest rated player taking the pitch Sunday, Marcelo Sarvas. He and Donovan are going to have to direct the young forwards from the midfield, and get them the ball in good spaces to score goals.
New England has to deal with more unavailable players than LA. Jerry Bengston is off on international duty, while defender Stephen McCarthy is doubtful. A.J. Soares, who's seen less playing time since New England brought in Jose Goncalves, could see time on the pitch. New acquisition Juan Agudelo should start up top with Bengston out.
New England: Shuttleworth; Farrell, Goncalves, Soares, Tierney; Fagundez, Toja, Caldwell, Nguyen, Dorman; Agudelo
Goals have been a premium item for New England this year, only managing to score nine. Bengston represents just two of those, so New England's attack shouldn't be that much different. LA should dominate possession, but neither team has a proven dynamic goal scorer in 2013 starting. This match, broadcast nationally on NBC Sports Network, has 1-1 draw written all over it.