Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard will face off against each other for the first time since their moves to the MLS when the Los Angeles Galaxy face New York City FC.
Gerrard made headlines earlier in the year as he followed in Lampard's footsteps with a move to the United States, and now both players will continue their great rivalry at the StubHub Center.
Los Angeles
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Gerrard has made an impact for the Galaxy since making his debut for the club in their 5-2 win over the San Jose Earthquakes last month.
Bruce Arena's men have lost just one of their MLS matches that the 34-year-old has appeared in when they were defeated by the Houston Dynamo.
As a result of their good form, the Galaxy are sitting atop the MLS Western Conference, one point ahead of the Vancouver Whitecaps in second place, but seem to be well on course for a run to the post-season.
The form of striker Robbie Keane has been key to their recent run of good results as he has scored 10 goals in his last six matches in the league, including a brace in their comeback win over Dallas.
The Galaxy have been a constant threat in the final third this season due to the form of Keane and Sebastian Lletget. The club have scored 44 goals, the most in the MLS, with the Republic of Ireland international notching 13, while Lletget has netted six times for Arena's side.
Defensively, the Galaxy have struggled as they have failed to keep a clean sheet in their five matches, and have had two shutouts since the end of May. They have conceded 31 goals in their 26 games; only Real Salt Lake have conceded more in the Western Conference.
Recent form: WWLWWW
Recent form (all competitions): WWLWWW
New York City
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Lampard has played just twice for New York since he returned from his loan spell at Manchester City due to a calf injury.
City have lost both their matches that the former England man has played as they went down to a 2-0 defeat to their local rivals the New York Red Bulls and a 3-2 loss to the Montreal Impact.
However, they will be boosted by the fact that Lampard has a good record against his former international teammate as he has won 15 of the 33 matches he has played against Gerrard.
Jason Kreis's men have struggled in their inaugural seasons in the MLS as they are currently seventh in the Eastern Conference due to their inconsistent form over the course of the campaign.
The club have struggled to keep things tight at the back as they have conceded 39 goals in their 25 matches; only five teams in the MLS have shipped more goals this season.
The goals of David Villa have been crucial to Kreis's men this season. The Spaniard has scored 14 goals for City this term, but when he has failed to find the net the club have had problems.
Kwadwo Poku has taken up the mantle recently with a double against Columbus Crew, but Kreis needs contributions from more of his forward players, including Lampard and Andrea Pirlo to provide creativity from the midfield.
Recent form: LWLLWD
Team News
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Midfielder Baggio Husidic is expected to miss the clash against City due to a calf injury, while Jose Villarreal is also struggling with a problem of his own.
Defender Todd Dunivant is also a doubt for the match, leading to suggestions that Arena could play the same starting lineup that beat Dallas in their last MLS clash.
George John is out with a knee injury for Kreis's side, while Khiry Shelton could also miss the match due to his own fitness problems.
Chris Wingert is battling to recover from a hamstring problem and Ned Grabavoy is also facing a fitness test due to a knee injury.
Lampard should be fit to play some part as he has shrugged off the injury problems that have prevented him playing in his side's last two matches.
Los Angeles possible starting lineup:
Rowe; Gargan, DeLaGarza, Leonardo, Rogers; Zardes, Gerrard, Juninho, Lletget; Dos Santos, Keane
New York possible starting lineup:
Saunders; Iraola, Jefferson, Hernandez, Tasende; Jacobson, Pirlo; Diskerud, Poku, Lampard; Villa
Head To Head
This is the first meeting between the Galaxy and New York, although as previously mentioned Lampard holds a narrow 15 to 11 edge over Gerrard in their 33 meetings.
We say: Los Angeles Galaxy 2-1 New York City
The Galaxy are in prime form and have the ability to trouble the City defence, who have looked vulnerable on the road. Kreis's men could cause Los Angeles problems, but not enough to get anything out of the match.
No Data Analysis info
