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11/22/2024 02:11:29 am

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CONCACAF Champions League 2015-2016: LA Galaxy vs Central FC, Preview, Prediction and Predicted Lineup

Giovani Dos Santos

(Photo : Getty Images) Los Angeles Galaxy new recruit Giovani Dos Santos (#10) holds up his jersey at a press conference at StubHub Center on August 4, 2015

Reigning Major League Soccer champions LA Galaxy will open its 2015-2016 CONCACAF Champions League bid against the hard-fighting Caribbean Football Union Club Championship winners and defending TT Pro League titlists Central FC at their home field StubHub Center in Carson, California, August 6.

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The Thursday evening match will feature Los Galácticos' recent acquisition, Mexican attacking midfielder Giovani dos Santos, who transferred from Spanish club Villarreal CF on July 15, as per the team's official website.

The addition of the 26-year-old winger would further improve the offense of manager Bruce Arena, who was last showcased in an MLS game versus the Colorado Rapids on Sunday. Galaxy won the match, 3-1, relentlessly overpowering the Rapids' back end, via SkySports.

Meanwhile, the Sharks outpointed perennial contenders W Connection FC in the 2015 Caribbean Club Championship final at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva, Trinidad and Tobago on May 24, as reported by CONCACAF's official website.

Central will provide tough competition for the American squad because of the momentum of the team's recent championship wins at its local leagues. 

Prediction: A 4-0 rout by Los Galácticos, although Central may score a goal or two. The Sharks may have found success at the CFU Club Championship and the TT Pro League, but their opponents are nowhere near the quality of Galaxy's recent rivals. The question is can Arena's boys handle the pressure of being the favorites?

LA Galaxy starting lineup (4-4-2 formation): Ricketts; DelaGarza, Gonzalez, Leonardo, Rogers; Zardes, Gerrard, Juninho, Lletget; Keane, Gordon

Central FC starting lineup (4-3-3 formation): Williams; Francois, John, Benjamin, Jack; Oliver, De Silva, Goodridge; Guerra, Marcano, Quintero

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