The Oct. 3 renewal of the Honda SuperClasico between Bruce Arena's Los Angeles Galaxy and Martin Vasquez's Chivas USA always seems to emphasize one dynamic or another.

This week, the Galaxy have more to lose from Sunday's showdown rather than the Goats; they hang on to first place in the 2010 Major League Soccer overall standings tenuously, as has been the case the past few months.

A victory for Los Angeles will keep them at the front of the pack in the race for the MLS Supporters' Shield.

A victory or draw for Chivas USA, whose playoff aspirations are close to being toast regardless, will leave the gates wide open for Real Salt Lake to take command.

The last meeting for both teams was on April 1, when the Galaxy shut-out Chivas, 2-0, off an Edson Buddle brace. Buddle is still the league's leading scorer with 14 goals and will need to reprise his efforts on Oct. 3 to keep Shield hopes alive.

As for Landon Donovan, his role as the team's main provider has been critical to the prospects of the Galaxy, recording a league-best 14 assists.

Donovan has proven to be an important scorer too, with seven goals to his name.

The Galaxy's defensive back line has had a nasty habit of giving up space against weaker opponents.

With Omar Gonzales returning to action from a yellow card suspension, they will look to minimize the possession opportunities the Goats will have in their attacking third.

Goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts' stock took a dive on Friday in their 2-0 defeat to the New York Red Bulls. With a 15-6-4 record, a 0.84 goals against average, and 67 saves to his name, the Big Cat from Montego Bay will look to put on a more consistent display on Sunday night.

Midfielder David Beckham played a full 90 minutes in their 2-0 defeat. However, he did not put on an impressive performance, managing just one shot and a second-half yellow card.

Beckham has been successful against Chivas before, scoring the game-winning goal in the 80th minute on Aug. 29, 2009, and will look to step his game up playing the midfield, along with Dema Kovalenko, Donovan, and Juninho.

Chivas USA have not beaten the Galaxy since Sept. 13, 2007, when they shut-out the G's, 3-0.

The Goats must defeat the Galaxy by more than two goals to win the Superclasico. A draw or one-goal victory will not be enough.

One player on Chivas USA's starting XI that will look to make this possible is forward Justin Braun. He leads the team in goals with nine and has notched three assists with Mariano Trujillo, Michael Lahoud, and Sacha Kljestan.

Trujillo, Michael Umana, Dario Delgado, and Ante Jazic will have their hands full against a Galaxy attack intent on restoring their goal-scoring touch.

Key to Chivas USA's hopes of upstaging Los Angeles is Zach Thornton.

The Goats goalkeeper has a 1.36 GAA, and has made 54 saves so far this season. However, if he cannot get help from the defense, Thornton could be hung out to dry on Sunday night.

Prediction

The Los Angeles Galaxy need every point they can muster up as the make the final push in October. This result will help.

Los Angeles Galaxy 3, Chivas USA 0

Kickoff is scheduled for 5 pm and will be televised by ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes.

Ins and Outs

Youth Academy Update

Make no mistake about it: Saturday is a day to watch the young stars come out to shine.

That's because the Los Angeles Galaxy Youth Academy Under-18s, Under-16s, and Under-14s return to action on Saturday, Oct. 2 at the Home Depot Center.

The Under-18s and Under-16s will begin play in the USSF Development Academy West Conference SoCal Division on Real Salt Lake Arizona.

Kickoff for the U-18 match is scheduled for 10am, while the U-16 match is scheduled for 12:30pm PT.

The U-14 A and B sides have already begun play in Cal South’s U-15 LA Futbol Circuit.

The 2-0 A side take on Pumas LH at 8am at the Home Depot Center while the 1-1 B side face Cosmost Academy West 96's at 11:40am.

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