The Seattle Sounders host the LA Galaxy on Sunday (3:30 p.m. PT; FS1, JOEtv, 950 KJR AM, El Rey 1360AM) in Week 26 MLS action. Here are three matchups to watch, presented by Toyota.
Xavier Arreaga vs. Zlatan Ibrahimović
Seattle’s 2-1 win over Portland was a breakout match for center back Arreaga, as the 24-year-old Ecuadorian put in a sterling performance against a dangerous Timbers attack. A cerebral, technical defender that can break lines with his passing, Arreaga was dominant in the air as Portland pumped 45 crosses into the box. Protecting a one-goal advantage late in the second half, the young center back produced two last-gasp challenges to deny Portland’s forward, Brian Fernández, opportunities in transition.
That confidence and form will be paramount on Sunday, with Arreaga going toe-to-toe against Ibrahimović. Zlatan bagged a brace against Seattle in Week 24 and added two more in a 3-3 draw with LAFC in Week 25. The key to mitigating Ibrahimović’s influence is to cut-off his service at the source. But if LA’s wide players and midfielders manage to find their talismanic forward in the final third, Arreaga will be tasked with keeping him quiet.
Gustav Svensson vs. Jonathan dos Santos
Speaking of dominant defensive performances against the Timbers, Svensson was an absolute beast in midfield in the Week 25 win. The Swedish No. 6 racked up three tackles, four recoveries, one interception and one clearance as he kept the likes of Diego Valeri and Sebastian Blanco in his back pocket.
Sounders FC Head Coach Brian Schmetzer has repeatedly stressed two objectives for his midfielders all season: dictate tempo on the ball and active defending. Svensson’s desire to play one-touch passing and break lines against Portland satisified the first mandate. Active defending, or maintaining a good shape while attacking to be able to close down opponents when soon as your team loses the ball, will be critical to Svensson stopping dos Santos from establishing rhythm in midfield.
Saad Abdul-Salaam vs. Cristian Pavón
There’s no two ways about it: this will be a difficult matchup for Abdul-Salaam. Pavón is an inventive, creative dribbler that has already established formidable chemistry with Ibrahimović, as demonstrated by his goal and assist against LAFC. Abdul-Salaam is a solid 1-v-1 defender with quick feet, so if he’s disciplined defensively, he’ll be able to keep the Argentine in front of him, limiting his impact.
What will likely swing this duel is Pavón’s limitations defensively. In each of the Galaxy’s last two matches, head coach Guillermo Barros Schelotto has played Jørgen Skjelvic or Dave Romney – both of whom are best suited to play center back – behind Pavón. Abdul-Salaam has the physicality and comfort on the ball to take advantage of Pavón’s desire to stay high up the pitch. If he can pick his moments to push forward into the attack, he’ll be able to create 2-v-1 overloads against the Galaxy’s left back.
