LA Galaxy vs FC Dallas: Three things to watch

The regular season is coming to an end on Sunday afternoon. There, the Los Angeles Galaxy will take on FC Dallas at the StubHub Center.

Focus

Squad rotation is expected as the Galaxy will have to play a midweek match to begin the playoffs. But while points do not matter in this match, having already secured third place, how the Galaxy play in fact does.

If the Galaxy come out of the gates lackadaisical, that form could carry over to the Knockout Round.

Because of that, LA most come out as focused as they can be — no matter who is in the starting lineup. That energy, the intensity with which they carry throughout will pay dividends for the playoffs.

Keane’s health

The 36-year-old Robbie Keane has been banged up for the last couple of seasons. While his presence in front of net is vital, his health is even more so.

And it looks like, according to Kevin Baxter of the LA Times, Keane will more than likely not be taking part in the season finale.

This is probably a smart move from Bruce Arena and co. It’s better to save the ageing former Ireland captain for the game that matters most of all than risk him on Sunday afternoon.

Defensive rotation

AJ DeLaGarza played great in the absence of Jelle Van Damme against Houston last Sunday afternoon. Throughout the 90 minutes against the Dynamo, DLG shined, intercepting four passes, while totaling one tackle, one clearance, and blocking one shot attempt.

If you’re Bruce Arena you have to find a way to get DeLaGarza into the game, right? What do you do? Do you move the Guam international out to the right and take out Robbie Rogers? Or do you pair DeLaGarza alongside Jelle Van Damme?

Last month, our very own Mike Gray went in depth more about this topic and you too can read about it.

If you are unable to make it out for the match this weekend, the game will be aired on Fox Sports 1, with kickoff slated for 1:00 PM PST.