LA Galaxy vs. Real Salt Lake : 10 Bold Predictions

Bruce Arena's Los Angeles Galaxy, after a hard-fought 2-2 draw with Toronto FC in the first leg of the 2011-12 CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals, begin their MLS Cup and Supporters Shield defense on Saturday at home against Real Salt Lake.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. PT/10:30 p.m. ET and will be televised locally by KDOC-TV. A live blog of this match will be posted on Bleacher Report later this week.

Here are 10 bold predictions for Saturday's league home opener.

1. There Will Be at Least 20 Fouls Committed by Both Teams Combined

The MLS Western Conference is the strongest of the two conferences in terms of talent and physical play. No contest is easy in this part of the league, and both RSL and LA will prove that point thanks to some physical play on both sides. We're looking at more than 20—or at least 20—fouls by both teams, and maybe a few cards.

Real Salt Lake and the LA Galaxy were destined to hate each other. That's just the way it goes, I suppose.

2. Real Salt Lake Will Score First

The taste of a Western Conference Final setback must be lingering in their mouths. While Real Salt Lake will be returning to the CONCACAF Champions League in the next edition, they have had four months and change to reflect on a sorry exit, and this will motivate the players to take their frustrations out on the team that sent them packing.

Real Salt Lake will open the scoring in this contest.

3. Arena Will Send out a B-Team on Saturday

The LA Galaxy manager will emphasize the CCL over MLS play because of the prestige that comes with being a champion of the region. So this will open the door for the youngsters to prove that they can hang in Major League Soccer play. Fans at Victoria Street can expect a Galaxy B-team on Saturday night against RSL.

4. Lalas Hill Will Be Open for the First Time This Year

This is a huge contest between two storied clubs, and because of this, it will be a sellout. As a result, the grass berm known as Lalas Hill will be open at the Home Depot Center. Expect plenty of support on the hill, which is directly above the Angel City Brigade/Galaxians section.

5. Real Salt Lake Will Go in with the Halftime Advantage

RSL will be coming into the match shorthanded. Alvaro Saborio, Javier Morales, Nat Borchers and newcomer Jonny Steele are out, Will Johnson is recovering from sports hernia surgery in Germany and Chris Wingert is questionable.

Still, they have Jamison Olave, Fabian Espindola and Luis Gil to rely on. In addition, RSL have a capable group of rookies ready to prove themselves. I expect Real Salt Lake to actually go into halftime with the lead.

6. Los Angeles Will Rally in Typical Galaxy Fashion

Los Angeles is a team that knows how to come back when their backs are against the wall. We saw this on Wednesday night at Rogers Centre, with the G's salvaging a 2-2 draw after a 2-0 deficit. Look for the Galaxy to turn the tables on Real Salt Lake in the second half.

7. Saturday Is Sarvas Day in Carson

Once upon a time, he was with LD Alajuelense, but this time around, he's a G. Saturday will mark the MLS debut of Marcelo Sarvas, and his work during preseason has been solid, helping pace the Galaxy to the Desert Diamond Cup.

Fans can expect Sarvas to record two assists on Saturday at the Home Depot Center while using his skills to slice past the RSL defense.

8. A Buddle Brace Minimum Will Do the Trick

Edson Buddle was unfortunate to not get on the score sheet against Toronto FC, but it is safe to say that perseverance will win the day. Look for a brace from Buddle to pace LA this weekend.

9. Three Assists from Beckham, Anyone?

These predictions are bold predictions for a reason: sometimes they are right, and sometimes they aren't. Here's one: David Beckham will find his A-game and deliver three assists, all in the second half, against Real Salt Lake.

You heard it first on B/R. Three assists from No. 23, second half, Saturday.

10. Another Sucker-Punch from Magee Is on the Way

Mike Magee has been on a scoring tear for Los Angeles. He was instrumental in dismissing Real Salt Lake last season, and I expect his hot streak to continue this weekend against RSL.

Magee Magic...on the score sheet Saturday.

Los Angeles Galaxy 4, Real Salt Lake 2