LA Galaxy vs San Jose Earthquakes, 2016 MLS: Match Preview

The San Jose Earthquakes make the short trip to StubHub Center for the first California Clasico of the MLS season.

The LA Galaxy, in search of their second league success in three games, are coming off the back of a disappointing defeat to the Colorado Rapids.

Bruce Arena was without three key starters in last Saturdays' defeat as Dan Kennedy, Ashley Cole, and Giovani dos Santos were all out injured.

But Arena is hopeful Cole will be available for Saturday's game, while Giovani could still be deemed unfit for a recall but will likely be a late decision from the manager.

Even though Arena could potentially have most of his attacking trio of Giovani dos Santos, Gyasi Zardes, and Robbie Keane at his disposal, there may be reason to be wary of the threat the Earthquakes possess, with the visitors opening their season with two straight wins for the first time in the clubs history.

Chris Wondolowski has led the team, scoring in consecutive games for Dominic Kinnear's side.

The teams last met in a preseason match last month, and the Galaxy won 1-0 thanks to a lone goal from Gyasi Zardes. That game is in the past, though, and the rivalry should come to the fore again on Saturday.

As such, it seems highly appropriate for these two state rivals to meet after only two games. The Galaxy will be hoping to bring their old foes back to reality, while the Earthquakes will look to stay perfect in their rival's backyard.

LAST MEETING

LA Galaxy 1-0 San Jose Earthquakes - February 13, 2016 - Preseason

Gyasi Zardes scored the only goal of the match as the LA Galaxy defeated the San Jose Earthquakes 1-0 in a preseason friendly in Las Vegas, Nevada.

LIKELY LINE-UPS

Galaxy (4-4-2): Rowe; Rogers, DeLaGarza, Van Damme, Cole; Zardes, De Jong, Gerrard, Lletget; Magee, Keane

San Jose  Earthquakes (4-4-2): Bingham; Wynne, Bernardez, Goodson, Elneny; Quintero, Alashe, Godoy, Dawkins; Amarikwa; Wondolowski