Los Angeles Galaxy vs. New England Revolution: 10 Bold Predictions

After a two-week layoff, Bruce Arena's Los Angeles Galaxy return to action on Saturday, March 31 when they take on Jay Heaps's New England Revolution at the Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. PT/11 p.m. ET and will be televised by NBC Sports.

So, just how will this match turn out? These 10 Bold Predictions from yours truly may shed a little light into the proceedings on Saturday.

A well-deserved period of rest will pay dividends for Los Angeles, who opened the year with a win, a draw and two defeats, all in a span of two weeks. With the team given the ability to finally gel and work as a unit, fans can expect a more cohesive effort from L.A. In the first half; possession will favor the Galaxy 55 percent to 45 percent.

Robbie Keane was on fire in LA's match with D.C. United, scoring a brace, although in all honesty he could have bagged more. At least a brace can be expected from the Republic of Ireland International against the Revs. When Keane is on, he is on, and fans will expect that on Saturday.

The long break should prove beneficial for David Beckham, who did record an assist the previous Sunday against D.C. to make it two assists in as many games.

A bevy of set piece chances will be made available for Beckham, and at least two of those deliveries will find someone in a white shirt with a blue sash. Two assists for No. 23.

Of course, the captain deserves to be on the score sheet for his troubles. Landon Donovan always seems to find ways to deliver in any contest, and it should be no surprise that he will bag at least one on Saturday.

When Edson Buddle plays loose, that's when he generally performs his best. I expect Arena to put Buddle on the bench then have him come on as a super sub to deliver the hammer to New England.

As with the D.C. game, the chickens from Pollo Campero will be stolen. New England will find a way to pull one back late, and Shalrie Joseph will lead the way.

This will be a relatively clean and fast-moving game between two proud teams. So while the action will be frenetic, the tackling should be clean. The referee won't have to do much work, as he will issue three yellows or less and no red cards.

Continuing with the officiating, the fouls shouldn't be plentiful, with less than 15 on both teams called. However, the physicality will be ever-present. That's typical of any match in the league. Bottom line: less than 15 fouls in this match.

The goals between the Galaxy and D.C. United never started coming until close to halftime, so I will go with that in this match. At about the 40th match, the goals will start rolling in.

With the exception of Sporting Kansas City, every win against an Eastern Conference team should be money in the bag for Los Angeles. It will be a Galaxy rout.

Los Angeles Galaxy 4, New England Revolution 1