Betfair Live Video: Galaxy trio to put Rapid's in deep water

Can Zardes and Keane prove the difference once again?

It's double trouble from MLS this Saturday, as Lewis Watson previews the best action from over the pond being streamed live on Betfair Live Video...

LA Galaxy vs Colorado Rapids
Saturday 03:30

Riding on the crest of a winning streak wave, Bruce Arena's Galaxy have their sights on the summit of the Western Conference. Two points adrift of a stuttering Sounders side, last year's playoff semi-finalists will be confident of going all the way this year and collecting their third MLS Cup in four seasons.

After MLS legend Landon Donavan announced he would be retiring at the end of this season, the 32-year-old has re-kindled the electric form of his youth in Galaxy's last four outings. Taking a maximum twelve points from these matches, the troublesome threesome of Zardes, Keane and Donavan have terrorised the MLS defenses with the former USA international contributing three goals and three goals in the process. 

Although the British duo of Dwyer and Bradley Wright-Phillips may be stealing the goal scoring headlines across the pond, there is no doubt that the Galaxy front-line is the biggest threat in MLS at the moment. 

With 48 goals 'Los Galacticos' are the most free-scoring side across both conferences - couple this with the best defence as well and it's a surprise that Arena's men sit second behind the Sounders. 

In Colorado Rapids, Galaxy are facing a side struggling for any form of league consistency. Off the back of six straight defeats, Pablo Mastroeni's men have slowly slipped down into seventh place in the Western Conference after getting off to a promising start to this year's campaign. 

After conceding sixteen goals in these six defeats it is easy to know where to point the finger of blame. With a decent offensive record, the Rapids have found themselves being outscored in a majority of fixtures, with a prime example coming in the reverse fixture against Galaxy a fortnight ago. 

After going 2-0 and 3-1 up in this fixture, Rapids went into the second half looking solid for the three points. However after strikes from Gonzalez, Gordon and Donovan in the second half, Galaxy stole the win at Dick's Sporting Goods Park, leaving the hosts with a sour taste in their mouth.

Revenge aside, there is a lot more at stake in Saturday morning's clash. Granted you couldn't match two sides in such contrasting form, but with the whacky world of the MLS anything is possible as the sides enter the StubHub Center. 

Don't expect the goal-fest of two weeks ago, but with the Galaxy attack firing on all cylinders, expect the hosts to make light work of a Rapids side slowly trickling down the Western Conference standings.

Recommended Bets:
Back Galaxy to win @ 1.454/9
Back Galaxy to win 2-0 @ 8.415/2

Toronto FC vs Philadelphia Union
Saturday 19:00

After news of Jermain Defoe's possible move to QPR dominated the transfer deadline day headlines, Toronto can breathe a sigh of relief this week as their marquee striker remains in Canada. 

Sitting sixth in the Eastern Conference along with Philadelphia and Columbus Crew on 33 points, the Reds understood the importance of keeping hold of the English striker (even against his will) if they are to have a say in this year's end-of-season playoffs. 

With only three league wins in fourteen appearances, Ryan Nelson got the chop from his role as Toronto boss last week, and with Greg Vanney taking the reins, the former LA Galaxy defender will have set his sights on early revenge after Philadelphia's 1-0 win over Toronto on Thursday in this 'home from home' week of fixtures. 

With Toronto's general manager Tim Bezbatchenko expressing reasons for Nelson's departure this week, he has also come out in support of the new coach. Bezbatchenko stated "our recent results have fallen below our expectations and a change was needed. Greg is a person that possesses all the qualities that align with our vision for Toronto FC". 

Still in a decent position to attack the higher playoff positions, Vanney is confident that with an injection of new faces on Saturday, his visiting side can do what it takes to bring home a crucial three points in a very compact conference. 

Despite being confirmed as a Toronto player until the end of the MLS season, it looks likely that Defoe will miss Saturday's clash with a slight abductor strain.  Although the former England striker hasn't featured in many of Toronto's recent matches, he still leads the side's goal-scoring charts with eleven goals - signalling his importance to their make-up. 

With a 55th minute Casey strike on Thursday morning, Philadelphia took all three points at the PPL Park securing their third win in four outings. With this psychological edge over Toronto going into Saturday's return, Jim Curtin will arrive at the BMO field looking to avoid defeat. 

After starting the week adrift of their hosts, four points in three days will surely be seen as a success for the Union coach, with his side expected to adopt a defensive strategy. 

With Casey, Wenger and Le Toux expected to continue leading the line, Toronto's recent shaky defence could yet again come unstuck against a trio who have netted 22 times between them this season. Gilberto will be Toronto's main threat in Defoe's absence, but with all of his six goals coming away from the BMO Field this season, now would be the perfect time to break his duck in front of the home faithful. 

Recommended Bets:
Back the draw @ 3.55n/a
Back 2-2 @ 13.012/1