Los Angeles Galaxy vs. Chicago Fire: 10 Bold Predictions

It's back to the road for the Los Angeles Galaxy when they head to Bridgeview, Ill. to take on the Chicago Fire on Sunday, July 8. The Galaxy have a very disappointing 6-10-2 (20 points) record and are in desperate need of a result.

As for the Chicago Fire, they are 8-5-4 (28 points) and are currently fourth in the MLS Eastern Conference.

Kickoff for this match is scheduled for 12 p.m. PT/3 p.m. ET and will be televised by ESPN and ESPN Deportes. Here are 10 bold predictions for Sunday's contest.

1. Chicago Will Score 1st

Marco Pappa leads the Chicago Fire in goals with five. A true Guatemalan with a true finishing touch, I am calling for Pappa to open the scoring within the first 20 minutes of the match.

2. Dominic Oduro with a Brace

Also with five goals this season is Dominic Oduro. I have a bit of a fondness for Oduro and his goalscoring ability and I am looking for a brace from the Ghanaian international in the second half.

3. Sebastian Grazzini with at Least 2 Assists

The Fire's top provider is Sebastian Grazzini, with five assists this season. I am calling for Grazzini to orchestrate a majority of Chicago's sequences and record at least two assists in this contest.

4. The 2011 Back Line of the Galaxy Returns

This is going to be a losing effort for Los Angeles, but I am calling for Omar Gonzalez to record a full 90 and stoppage time on Sunday. Thus, the old Galaxy back line of Sean Franklin, Gonzalez, A.J. DeLaGarza and Todd Dunivant returns for the first time this season.

5. Landon Donovan with a 1st-Half Equalizer

Wednesday night was a miserable night for Landon Donovan, who recorded no shots on goal and created zero chances. He will be able to get at least one in the fist half on on Sunday.

6. A Much Better Effort from Juninho

Juninho had one of the worst games of his career on Wednesday night against the Philadelphia Union.

The young Brazilian should be able to clean up his act and do his job in the midfield, which is to disrupt possession and win the second ball. This takes a lot of weight off of Marcelo Sarvas, who could potentially start on Sunday.

7. Josh Saunders Faces the Firing Squad

Galaxy goalkeeper Josh Saunders is going to be under the microscope on Sunday. I am looking for him to make more saves. At least four from the LA netminder. It's going to get ugly.

8. Fire Dominate the Stat Sheets

Duels won, possession, passing accuracy, attempts on goal and shots on target. I am calling for the Fire to lead in these five categories. It's going to be a one-sided game, relative to the strength of both sides at this point in the season.

9. Under 20 Fouls and 3 Yellows

Free-flowing football is on the menu for Sunday, and I don't expect the referee to issue too many fouls and cards. I'm calling for under 20 fouls and three yellow cards (with no reds) issued to both sides combined.

10. Just Another Victory for Chicago

Los Angeles are struggling again, and their losing streak is going to continue. The Chicago Fire take this in a rout.

Chicago Fire 3, Los Angeles Galaxy 1