It’s the defending MLS Cup champions versus the defending Supporters’ Shield winners in a nationally televised match on Sunday afternoon on ESPN. Sounders FC will be very eager to earn three points, as the club is on a four-game losing streak and hasn’t won at the StubHub Center since 2009.
Here are three star-studded positional battles to watch in Sunday’s match.
Chad Marshall vs. Robbie Keane
Despite being sidelined for parts of the season with a groin injury, Keane is having another fantastic campaign for the Galaxy. The reigning MLS MVP leads LA with 10 goals in 14 appearances and has recorded a trio of hat tricks this summer (one came in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup). The Galaxy have scored at least four goals in each of their last four home games, and Keane is a major reason for the scoring outburst. On Sunday, the Irishman will be defended by one of the league’s best centerbacks in Marshall, who is near the top of the MLS leaderboard in blocked shots and clearances this season.
Clint Dempsey vs. Donovan Ricketts
Dempsey is set to play in his second straight game for Seattle after returning from U.S. National Team duty at the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup. The All-Star forward missed the first matchup of the season between the Sounders and Galaxy, when goalkeeper Jaime Penedo made a career-high 10 saves in a 1-0 victory for LA. Penedo has since parted ways with the Galaxy, however, and Ricketts was acquired from Orlando City SC to be his replacement. Ricketts previously played for LA from 2009 to 2011, winning one MLS Cup and two Goalkeeper of the Year awards in that span.
Seattle midfielders vs. Steven Gerrard
The 35-year-old Gerrard has shown few signs of slowing down since his move to LA from Barclays Premier League club Liverpool: He’s already scored once and notched a pair of assists in three appearances. Gerrard, who has been playing in the center midfield for the Galaxy, will clash with a somewhat depleted Seattle midfield on Sunday. Defensive specialist Osvaldo Alonso has been ruled out for the match due to the hamstring injury he suffered last week against Whitecaps FC.
