LA Galaxy at FC Dallas match preview

Unbeaten in five straight despite a carousel of injuries and lineup changes, the Galaxy limp to Toyota Stadium after a mid-week road draw vs. RSL to play an FC Dallas side boasting the best record in MLS. (5:30 pm, Time Warner Cable SportsNet & Deportes)

Speaking with all of the bluntness of a guy who's moving out of his apartment today, who knows what the lineup, or even the formation is going to look like come kickoff. Between LA putting out a different lineup for virtually every match this season and Bruce's veil of secrecy, trying to predict the starting lineup these days is a cruel guessing game more than anything else.

The good news? This 2015 Galaxy team is grinding out results, regardless of the constant lineup changes robbing LA of any cohesion in their attacking play. For all of the Galaxy's struggles so far this year, LA are only 3 points behind FC Dallas in the standings. We do know Robbie Keane and Jose Villarreal are still out, while Juninho and Robbie Rogers are more likely to return to action.

Unfortunately, the Galaxy are going up against peak FC Dallas, which can be defined thusly by the following:

1) Fabian Castillo at the top of his game
2) Mauro Diaz is on the field
3) No key injuries

Of course it's impossible for Oscar Pareja's team to play at peak form all year, otherwise they'd run away with the Supporter's Shield. And similar to how LA habitually gets off to slow starts, FC Dallas is destined to fade in the summer as the sweltering Texas heat takes its toll. But when they're on, watch out.

FC Dallas is vulnerable on defense, with youngsters Victor Ulloa and Kellyn Acosta taking defensive midfield spots and a back four that has been hampered by injuries. The priority for the Galaxy tonight is to contain Fabian Castillo and sneak a goal or two when the opportunities arrive.