LA Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena believes his side is more together as a team this season despite playing off in the MLS Cup final in 2009.

As the Galaxy prepare for the Super Clasico showdown with Chivas USA on Thursday, Arena admits he knows what to expect from his team who did enough to win their season opener 1-0 against Colorado Rapids last week.

"We're still learning things about our team," said Arena. "But it's not like it was last year when there were a lot of unknowns. We're more together as a team."

And Arena said he was expecting fireworks in their week 2 clash against their Los Angeles rivals.

"There's a lot at stake when we play. The Clasico's important," Arena added. "The games were very intense. And the tempers flared."