Built to win immediately, the Galaxy are coming into the 2011 season with a new look after losing lynchpin forward Edson Buddle to Germany. There is still plenty of firepower available, and what better way to insure goals than to play a 4-2-3-1.

Despite their offensive teammates receiving a bulk of the attention, the Galaxy’s defense is arguably one of the best in the league. Already potent with goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts and 2009 MLS Rookie of the Year Omar Gonzalez, the team picked up right back Frankie Hejduk. The former Crew player will add great experience to the young back line also consisting of AJ DeLaGarza and Sean Franklin (another MLS Rookie of the Year). DeLaGarza’s versatility is a huge plus to the team and will line up alongside his college teammate Gonzalez in the middle. Todd Dunivant holds down the left side while Franklin gets the nod over Hejduk at right back (younger legs).

The weak link in the 4-2-3-1 chain might be in the necessary two holding midfielders, which gives cover for marauding right backs Franklin and Hejduk, whoever is starting a particular game. The Galaxy’s roster is full of attacking options, but hey…this is just a fantasy. Putting two passing options in the holding positions will work just fine, and I like Chris Birchall and Juninho. The rest of the midfield fills out nicely: Michael Stephens on the left, David Beckham on the right, and Landon Donovan in the hole. Up top, new forward Juan Pablo Angel will continue to be dangerous.

Top to bottom, the Galaxy have a very skilled team full of young exciting players and savvy veterans. I really do think they could get away with playing the 4-2-3-1; the lack of the defensive distributor in the midfield would be a deterrent, but the backline is very strong and could offset that problem.