Los Angeles Galaxy vs. San Jose Earthquakes: 10 Bold Predictions

Jun 28, 2014; Palo Alto, CA, USA; San Jose Earthquakes forward Michael Fucito (11) and Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Landon Donovan (10) fight for the ball during the second half at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Bruce Arena’s Los Angeles Galaxy and Mark Watson’s San Jose Earthquakes clash in a key MLS Western Conference encounter: the second part of the California Clasico. Los Angeles are currently 9-4-6 (33 points) and are currently third place in the West, coming off a 3-1 win over the Portland Timbers. San Jose sit in eighth place with a record of 6-8-5 (23 points) and will look to build on their 1-0 victory over the Seattle Sounders.

Kickoff at StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. on Friday, Aug. 8 is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. PT/10:30 p.m. ET and will be televised by NBCSN. Here are 10 Bold Predictions for Friday night’s match between the Los Angeles Galaxy and San Jose Earthquakes.

1. At least 50 fouls and four cards

As this is one of the premier rivalries in Major League Soccer, there will be plenty of fouls and cards in this one. The MLS Multiplex is boldly predicting for at least 50 fouls whistled and four cards of any color issued.

2. Jaime Penedo with at least four saves

This will be a big night for Jaime Penedo, who has 49 saves this season for the Galaxy. Against the Quakes, Penedo will make at least four saves to lead LA.

3. Jon Busch with at least four saves

San Jose Earthquakes goalkeeper Jon Busch has been sensational this season for the visitors, with 70 saves to his credit. He will also come up big this Friday against Los Angeles with at least four saves to his credit.

4. Gyasi Zardes with a brace

This season, Gyasi Zardes has been a scoring talisman for the Los Angeles Galaxy with eight goals to his name. Watch for Zardes to score in both halves for the home side on Friday.

5. Robbie Keane strikes again

Galaxy captain Robbie Keane leads the way with 12 goals and seven assists this year. The Republic of Ireland international will look to add to his total and make a case for MLS First XI honors with another goal on Friday.

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6. It’s Wondo time!

Chris Wondolowski is the Quakes’s top goalscorer with seven goals to his credit. Watch for Wondo to show what he can do to keep San Jose in games with a goal in the first half.

7. Here comes Yannick Djalo

Yannick Djalo was the hero in the Quakes’ 1-0 victory over the Seattle Sounders last weekend at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif. Look for Djalo to keep this goal festival a good one with a goal in the second half.

8. Stefan Ishizaki with the finish

This season, Stefan Ishizaki has been playing lights-out football for the Galaxy with four goals this season for LA. The MLS Multiplex is boldly predicting for Ishizaki to score in the first half for the Galaxy.

9. Landon Donovan with a goal and an assist

In Landon Donovan’s 300th league game in Major League Soccer, look for one of the all-time greats to score on his old club and make history. The MLS Multiplex is boldly predicting for a goal and an assist from Donovan against the San Jose Earthquakes.

10. Los Angeles walks all over San Jose

This is going to be a high-scoring game, no question about it. But that’s what you like to see, especially with fireworks going off after the game is over. Plenty of offensive fireworks in this game, a fast-paced, fluid one at that. The MLS Multiplex is called for a Los Angeles Galaxy victory here.

Los Angeles Galaxy 5, San Jose Earthquakes 2