Galaxy ready for Houston test

Los Angeles Galaxy coach Bruce Arena has backed his side to continue their good form in the MLS when they face Houston Dynamo on Sunday.

The defending MLS champions sit second in the Western Conference, six points behind leaders Dallas, having won back-to-back matches over Real Salt Lake and Sporting Kansas City.

Arena conceded he does not know what to expect from Houston in a repeat of last year’s MLS final.

“To be honest I haven’t checked Houston’s record. I know they have had an up and down season a little bit but have played well at home,” Arena said.

“I believe they have had a bunch of results lately but I think they are doing alright.

“They are an experienced team and the team that will play against us on Sunday is basically the team that played us in the MLS final last year, so they are a good team with a lot of experience.”

Galaxy striker Landon Donovan believes Houston will be keen to bounce back from their draw with the Colorado Rapids.

“They are a very good team as always. We know them very well and they know us very well,” the United States international said.

“They had a disappointing result last week and we believe they will want to bounce back. I watched the game and knowing them, they will be overly prepared and excited for this game. It is a late game on Sunday and we expect to get their best.

“It will be nice to play a late game. We don’t generally like waiting around for a game but it is nice on the weekend to sit and watch the other results and prepare for the game and when Sunday night comes we will be ready.

“The weather should cool down a bit which should help and we are playing a good team so it should be a great game.”