Los Angeles Galaxy vs. FC Dallas: 10 Bold Predictions

In the middle of the Olympics, and after the MLS All-Star Game against Chelsea...there is more MLS soccer. On Saturday, the Los Angeles Galaxy take on FC Dallas at FC Dallas Stadium in Frisco, Texas.

The Galaxy sport a 9-10-3 record (30 points) and can break even win a win this weekend. As for FC Dallas, manager Schellas Hyndman is on borrowed time as the Hoops have struggled to a 5-10-7 record (22 points).

Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET and will be televised by NBC Sports. Here are 10 bold predictions for Saturday night's showdown between the Galaxy and FC Dallas.

1. A Defensive Battle in the East Texas Heat

There won't be a lot of goals scored in this match.

With the heat in East Texas potentially reaching the 90s at kickoff, both FC Dallas and L.A. will struggle to find goals.

Look for under five goals scored in this defensive showdown.

2. FC Dallas Strike First

It's a home game for FC Dallas, so why not?

Blas Perez is the team's leading goal scorer with five goals this season. Look for the Panamanian international to open up the scoring after a full half of football has passed.

3. Robbie Keane on the Scoresheet

With Landon Donovan out due to suspension, and David Beckham away due to the London 2012 Opening Ceremony, it will be up to Robbie Keane to keep the Galaxy in this game.

Keane is tied for the club lead in goals with nine, and he will make it 10 on Saturday.

4. Jose Villarreal on the Scoresheet

The last time I picked Jose Villarreal to get on the scoresheet, he didn't play.

Now with Landon Donovan away due to suspension, Villarreal could get the start after an impressive showing against Tottenham Hotspur.

When Villarreal gets on the pitch, look for this rookie to show his potential.

5. Jackson with Two Assists

Jackson Goncalves is FC Dallas' top assist man with five to his credit.

This Brazilian international should net home a couple of assists on Saturday against the Galaxy.

6. Brek Shea on the Scoresheet

Brek Shea is back in the lineup for the Hoops.

With just three goals to his credit, he will look to add to his totals this weekend. Shea will get on the scoresheet for FC Dallas.

7. FC Dallas Dominate the Stat Sheet

A recurring theme this year has been the tendency of the Galaxy to concede the stat-sheet numbers. This will not change against FC Dallas.

The Hoops will dominate in possession, passing accuracy, attempts on goal, shots on target and open-play crosses.

8. A Chippy Affair, with over 20 Fouls and Four Yellows

FC Dallas and Los Angeles have had a bit of a rivalry these past few years, and any time these two teams take on each other, there will be physical play.

So, there will be over 20 fouls called and over four yellow cards issued.

9. A Scoreless First Half

Don't let the records fool you: these two teams are evenly matched, and this defensive struggle is going to be apparent on the scorelines.  

FC Dallas are going to benefit from the absence of Beckham and Donovan and will hold the L.A. Galaxy to scoreless draw at the half.

10. Second-Half Goal Festival Leads to a Draw

The second half will be more exciting, with plenty of goals scored. Keane and Villarreal for L.A., Perez and Shea for Dallas.

An intense battle on a hot summer night equals...a draw.

Los Angeles Galaxy 2, FC Dallas 2