Los Angeles Galaxy vs. Vancouver Whitecaps: 10 Bold Predictions

Bruce Arena's Los Angeles Galaxy return to action on Wednesday, July 18 when they travel to BC Place Stadium in Vancouver, B.C. to take on the Vancouver Whitecaps.

Riding a two-game winning streak, the Galaxy are currently 8-10-2 (26 points) and are aiming for a couple of teams above them in the standings in Vancouver and the Seattle Sounders.

Los Angeles are coming off a wild 5-3 victory over the Portland Timbers at Jeld-Wen Field in Portland, Ore. The Galaxy will need a much better defensive effort to take the season series from Martin Rennie's Whitecaps.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. PT/10 p.m. ET and will be televised by KDOC and KWHY.

Without further ado, here are 10 bold predictions for Wednesday's midweek tilt in Vancouver.

1. Los Angeles Dominate the Stat Sheet for Once

This may go down as the boldest prediction of all. After all, their inability to dominate the stat sheet has been a recurring theme.

This time, the Galaxy will secure better ball possession, more duels won, more open play crosses, better passing accuracy and more shots on goal.

Los Angeles will dominate the stat sheet. Whether or not that translates to a victory is another thing altogether.

2. Vancouver Will Score First

The Whitecaps will score first to start the game. I will take the hair of the dog and say that the young prodigy known as Darren Mattocks will open the scoring within the first 20 minutes of the match.

A rookie with a huge upside, Mattocks nearly scored against Los Angeles in their first meeting. This time, expect David Junior Lopes' inconsistency to give the Caps the green light.

3. The Hotstreak for Robbie Keane Continues

Robbie Keane will score in this match in response to the first salvo from Vancouver.

Keane scored a brace against Portland. If he can generate space, it's pretty much game over if you're Joe Cannon. Look for the Irishman to continue his hotstreak on Wednesday.

4. Jun Marques Davidson with at Least One Assist

One player that impressed me in the Galaxy's prior meeting with Vancouver was midfielder Jun Marques Davidson.

Davidson is going to need to orchestrate some solid sequences to give Vancouver the victory, so I am looking for at least one assist.

5. David Beckham on a Tear Yet Again

David Beckham had his best game of the season in a Galaxy uniform, scoring a sensational brace while also recording an assist.

Beckham said of his first goal to the media on Saturday (via LAGalaxy.com):

"The last time I scored a goal like that was for Manchester United against Deportivo [La Coruna], it was very similar to that. I was happy with it, but I’m more happy with the team’s performance tonight because I think we showed our character.

"I think we showed that when we pass the ball around we can go through teams.”

Look for Becks to record at least a goal or an assist.

6. Landon Donovan Does the Work Again

It wouldn't be a good night for the LA Galaxy without captain Landon Donovan contributing to the cause.

Expect Donovan to score in this match once again and also add to his hotstreak.

7. Improved Play from Hector Jimenez

Midfielder Hector Jimenez knows that he is on borrowed time when it comes to starting for Los Angeles. If Jimenez wants to be a long-time starter for the LA Galaxy, he need to improve on his play and finishing touch.

This game against Vancouver could be the night he finally makes a statement. Expect Jimenez to get on the scoresheet this Wednesday.

8. Josh Saunders Faces the Firing Squad

Josh Saunders had to make seven saves against the Timbers, but he may need to do a little bit more against one of the most underrated offenses in Major League Soccer.

Saunders is going to need to make at least five saves in this match in order for the Galaxy to bag all three points.

9. At Least 20 Fouls, Under 4 Yellows

The cards won't be issued as much, but the fouls will be given on both sides.

Los Angeles and Vancouver are developing a healthy enmity for each other, and it's going to show in the play. Expect at least 20 fouls, but under four yellows, in this contest.

10. Just Another Victory for LA

I don't expect this to be the shootout that it was at Jeld-Wen, but there are going to be goals.

Look for Los Angeles to win another hard-fought game and, this time, they also dominate the stat sheet.

Not a perfect performance, but a much improved effort defensively from the Galaxy. LA wins it.

Los Angeles Galaxy 4, Vancouver Whitecaps 2