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

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Bruce Arena's Los Angeles Galaxy face one of their toughest challenges yet: Frank Yallop's red-hot San Jose Earthquakes on Wednesday at the Home Depot Center.

The Galaxy are currently 3-6-2 (11 points) and have the worst record in the MLS Western Conference. Meanwhile, San Jose is sitting pretty at 7-2-3 and are second in the West.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. PT and will be televised by KDOC and KWHY. Here are 10 bold predictions for Wednesday's mid-week clash.

1. Low-Scoring Game

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Unlike the previous games I called, there won't be much production from either side. Both Landon Donovan and Chris Wondolowski have been called up to national team duty, leaving David Beckham as the only major showcase player in this tie.

2. San Jose Will Score First

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That doesn't mean that the San Jose Earthquakes won't produce. With the record they have, I expect the Earthquakes to strike first, probably later in the first half.

Alan Gordon, the traveling journeyman, has had a track record of scoring on the Galaxy. I like Gordon to deal a dent to the Galaxy's chances of winning this contest.

3. Lenhart Will Make It Double Trouble

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Steven Lenhart has four goals this season and has been a reliable scoring threat alongside Chris Wondolowski. I like Lenhart to record a goal late in the contest, and this will be the game-winner for San Jose.

4. Los Angeles Equalizes on a Set Piece

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The fans came to see David Beckham do his thing, and I just have a feeling he will capitalize on a free kick to put the match on level terms temporarily in the second half.

5. Marcelo Sarvas...a Force in the Midfield

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As mentioned in my player ratings for the contest against Chivas USA, Marcelo Sarvas did reasonably well in the midfield, and fans should expect this former LD Alajuelense player to bail Juninho out of the bind he is in.

6. San Jose Will Dominate the Stat Sheet

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Statistically, the Earthquakes dominated the Columbus Crew in their interconference match last weekend. So, I am calling for at least 56 percent of duels won, just under 60 percent ball possession won and at least 75 percent passing accuracy.

7. Brian Perk vs. the San Jose Firing Squad

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The Earthquakes are going to make things rather difficult for Los Angeles Galaxy goalkeeper Brian Perk. Perk will be forced to make at least five saves against a San Jose team looking to force the issue.

8. No Saves from Jon Busch

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In fact, the Earthquakes will be on the attack so much that Jon Busch will have a quiet night. No saves, just a few collections and redistributions for their offensive sequences. A quiet night for Jon Busch, just the way the San Jose netminder would want it.

9. At Least 20 Fouls and Under Five Yellows

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With this being an intrastrate derby in the California Clasico, the play will be physical. So, there should be at least 20 fouls, but no more than four yellow cards issued out. It will be intense, but the chippiness will be kept in check.

10. Workmanline Victory for San Jose

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In the end, it will be just another day at the office for the San Jose Earthquakes, as they get right against their southern rivals with another average victory.

San Jose Earthquakes 2, Los Angeles Galaxy 1