Vancouver Whitecaps vs LA Galaxy, 2016 MLS: Match Preview

After earning their first home win of the season, the Vancouver Whitecaps play host to the LA Galaxy at BC Place on Saturday.

Only A.J. DeLaGarza and Gyasi Zardes saw action during the international break, with the latter notching two assists for the United States Men's National Team in their resounding 4-0 victory over Guatemala on Tuesday.

Injuries, however, have been something of a habit for the Galaxy this season. Robbie Keane missed both of the Republic of Ireland's friendlies and underwent surgery on his right knee. The Galaxy captain is now expected to miss 4-6 weeks.

The international break did produce a silver lining, though, as Dan Kennedy and Giovani Dos Santos returned to training. Steven Gerrard, who went off after only three minutes in the Galaxy's 3-1 win over the San Jose Earthquakes, is also expected to return to practice soon.

In contrast, the Vancouver Whitecaps arrive to this match injury-free but without the luxury of having two weeks of rest. Carl Robinson's side was in action last weekend, beating the Houston Dynamo 1-0.

It was a tough win, however. A weakened Whitecaps side that was missing four starters due to international duties could be grateful, as the Houston Dynamo spurned the chances to escape Vancouver with a draw.

Perhaps inevitably, injuries are like that. Even with all the missing players, Bruce Arena has strength in depth and options, certainly by MLS standards. The season is long, and this, then, is a good test for the Galaxy early into their MLS season.

LAST MEETING

LA Galaxy 0-1 Vancouver Whitecaps - June 6, 2015 - MLS

Kekuta Manneh scored the only goal of the match as the Whitecaps ended a 29 match unbeaten streak at StubHub Center for the Galaxy.

LIKELY LINE-UPS

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

Vancouver Whitecaps FC (4-4-2): Ousted; Aird, Jacobson, Parker, Harvey; Bolanos, Laba, Morales, Manneh; Rivero, Perez