FC Dallas vs. Los Angeles Galaxy: 10 Bold Predictions

Sep 20, 2014; Carson, CA, USA; FC Dallas midfielder Kellyn Acosta (23) battles for the ball with Los Angeles Galaxy forward Landon Donovan (10) during the second half at StubHub Center. The Los Angeles Galaxy defeated FC Dallas 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

Bruce Arena’s Los Angeles Galaxy will have a busy 2015 season ahead of them, with international friendlies, the league home-and-away and…CONCACAF Champions League. You see, by way of Chivas USA (a team destined for oblivion and the most unexpected of helpers) defeating Real Salt Lake 1-0 on Sunday at the StubHub Center in Carson, Calif, the Galaxy are assured of at least a second-place finish in Major League Soccer and the MLS Western Conference. D.C. United are closing in on qualifying by way of representing the East.

But while getting another chance to make it to the FIFA Club World Cup is nice, none of that should really matter to the Galaxy, who are intent on finishing strong in the month of October, at a time where other local teams are not doing so well, and in some cases, some seasons are ending. And that starts on Oct. 12 against Oscar Pareja’s FC Dallas, who currently possess a record of 14-11-6 (48 points), suffered a tough 2-0 defeat to the Vancouver Whitecaps and will look to bounce back from a tough 2-1 defeat at the Hub to the Galaxy. As for LA, they are 17-5-9 (60 points) and will need to hope for help from Vancouver to make the final two weeks of the season one to watch.

Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. PT/6 p.m. CT/7 p.m. ET and will be televised by ESPN2, WatchESPN, ESPN Deportes and TSN2. Here are 10 Bold Predictions for Sunday’s contest between FC Dallas and the Los Angeles Galaxy.

1. At least 40 fouls, under five cards

This is going to be a physical encounter between two teams that could be facing each other in the Western Conference Semifinals. It’s a sneak peek, that’s for sure. So here at the Plex, we’re calling for at least 40 fouls whistled and under five cards issued.

2. Brian Rowe with at least four saves

We’re almost certain that Jaime Penedo will be called up to the Panama Men’s National Team ahead of their match with Mexico. That means it’s time for the Brian Rowe Show, on the road at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Tex. We’re calling for Rowe to make at least four saves.

3. Raul Fernandez with at least five saves

FC Dallas goalkeeper Raul Fernandez will need to be a bit more sharper in goal, especially with Je-Vaughn Watson away to national team duty. Fernandez is boldly predicted to make at least five saves.

4. Tesho Akindele will score

A legit candidate for Rookie of the Year, Tesho Akindele has seven goals to his credit and can finish. Watch for Akindele to make his case at home near Big D.

5. Michel with a goal and an assist

Michel should be available for this match. The Brazilian has eight goals and five assists to his credit. Watch for Michel to record a goal and an assist against LA.

6. Alan Gordon will score