L.A. vs. Chivas USA Preview | MLS Free Pick (Oct. 3)

MLS Soccer Predictions – SUNDAY Oct 3, 2010 – Los Angeles Galaxy vs Chivas USA

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The MLS began its 15th season this year and we’ve finally decided it’s time to give this league some handicapping love and provide some free SOCCER gambling analysis every week.

Onto the week’s MLS preview and prediction for the week.

Matchup: Los Angeles Galaxy v Chivas USA
Date: Sunday, October 3, 2010
Time: Kick-off: 8:00 PM EST
Venue: Home Depot Center, Carson, CA.
TV: ESPN2/ESPND
MLS Fixture Betting Lines and Odds from Bodog
Money Line: Los Angeles (+125) Chivas USA (+197) Draw (+225)
Spread: Not posted
Over/Under: Not posted

Although the Galaxy claimed its playoff berth with over a month remaining in their 2010 campaign, a lot is still riding on their Honda Super Clasico match up with bitter rivals Chivas USA.

A victory for Los Angeles will keep them at the top of the table in the race for the MLS Supporters’ Shield, something that has eluded them since last winning it in 2004.

In contrast, a more than two goal win or a draw for the Goats, whose playoff aspirations are non-existent, would be a welcome outcome, as it would leave the door open for Real Salt Lake, who trail LA by just two points, to take a charge at their rival.

However, last place Chivas will have their hands full with the league’s leading scorer Edson Buddle (14 goals), who found the back of the net twice as the Galaxy shut-out Chivas, 2-0, the last time the clubs met back on April 1. Buddle will need to duplicate his efforts come Sunday night to keep LA’s Shield hopes alive.

He will be aided by Landon Donovan, the team’s main provider, recording a league-best 14 assists, but has also provided some firepower, scoring seven of the Galaxy’s second best 38 goals.

Defensively, Los Angeles’ back line has had some lapses giving up space against weaker opponents, but have still remained stingy surrendering just 21 goals through 26 matches, third best in the MLS.

A huge part of LA’s defensive success is goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts. The Big Cat from Montego Bay is 15-6-4 with a 0.84 goals against average, and 67 saves to his name.

More good news for the Galaxy will be defender Omar Gonzales returning to action from a yellow card suspension, as well as midfielder David Beckham, who made his first start of the season for Los Angeles in  a 2-0 loss to the New York Red Bulls on Friday.

Beckham has been successful against Chivas before, scoring the game-winning goal in the 80th minute on Aug. 29, 2009, and will look to step his game this weekend.

Chivas USA have not beaten the Galaxy since Sept. 13, 2007, when they shutout Los Angeles, 3-0.

The Goats starting XI are led by leading scorer forward Justin Braun. He leads the team with nine goals, and has notched three assists with Mariano Trujillo, Michael Lahoud, and Sacha Kljestan.

However, it is doubtful that Chivas can match LA’s firepower, so their hopes of upstaging the Galaxy will rest in the hands of goalkeeper Zach Thornton. Thorton has a 1.36 GAA, and has made 54 saves so far this season. However, he cannot do it all on his own and will need a defense that has allowed 34 GAA, fourth worst in the MLS, to step up and help out.

Los Angeles has faded a bit, winning just two of its last five outings. However, I think they will assemble enough offense to beat Chivas 3-1.

Prediction: Galaxy 3-1

We will continue to provide free weekly MLS gambling predictions due to the responses we’ve gotten on ourSoccer handicapping forums, and survey responses we’ve conducted on our soccer betting blog.

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Matt Martz is a sports writer for the Bakersfield Californian located in Central California. Blessed is the gambler who expects nothing, for ye shall not be disappointed.