SUNDAY'S MLS CUP PROMISES to be an enthralling game (3pm; ESPN, UniMas), with two exceptionally talented teams squaring off with the league’s biggest prize on the line. Let’s take a look at some of the individual matchups that could determine the outcome.

1. Landon Donovan vs. Jermaine Jones

With Landon Donovan playing as a left midfielder and Jermaine Jones in the center, you might not expect these two to clash all that frequently. However, it may just be the most important individual battle on the field. Donovan prefers to cut inside and operate in the left-central channel, and he’s nearly unstoppable if he has time and space in that slot—he didn’t pick up a league leading 19 assists by accident.

Jones is the perfect man to deal with Donovan, though—his tenacity and athleticism makes him an ideal Donovan-stopper. Jones will need to be on top of his game, as Donovan can run teams ragged at the StubHub center if he’s not properly accounted for. (Just ask Real Salt Lake).

2. Lee Nguyen vs. Sarvas & Juninho

While Jones provides the Revolution with much needed defensive stability, it’s Lee Nguyen who runs the show offensively. Nguyen loves to operate in the central areas right behind the opposing team’s defensive midfielders. When he gets the ball in that area, he can be absolutely lethal, both in terms of scoring goals and delivering silky passes. This brilliantly timed pass proved crucial in New England’s conference final triumph, and is representative of the type of situation Nguyen may well find himself in on Sunday against the possession-dominating Galaxy.

It will be primarily up to Sarvas and Juninho to make sure Nguyen doesn’t hurt the Galaxy on the break. Both like to get involved in L.A. attacks, but they would be wise to make sure someone is always ready to track Nguyen if and when the Galaxy lose possession. Failure to do so, as New York learned oh so painfully, can be deadly.

3. Robbie Rogers vs. Teal Bunbury

Robbie Rogers’ emergence as a genuine contender for a U.S. national team left back spot is one of the better MLS stories of 2014, and he’ll get the chance to make one final statement on Sunday. He’ll be matched up primarily against Teal Bunbury, whose tricky dribbling and confidence in front of goal should provide a real test for Rogers.

If Rogers can neutralize Bunbury’s attacking threat, he’ll be free to bomb up the field and provide width for L.A.’s attack. As a result, Bunbury will have plenty of defensive responsibilities of his own.

All told, this should be an interesting give and take. If Rogers attacks too much, Bunbury could get behind him and potentially cause problems on the counter. But if Bunbury doesn’t account for the threat of Rogers, the Galaxy man could easily pick up a potentially decisive goal or assist.

4. Charlie Davies vs. Omar Gonzalez

Charlie Davies is in red-hot form right now, with four goals in the postseason alone. He’s the type of quick, intelligent, and—let’s be honest—occasionally dirty striker that can give Omar Gonzalez real problems. Gonzalez can be hot-headed, and if Davies can induce an early yellow card, this showdown will get even more fascinating.

It will be especially interesting to see whether MLS Defender of the Year candidate A.J. DeLaGarza plays at center back or right back. At center back, he matches up nicely with Davies and would provide reliable support for Gonzalez. But if Bruce Arena wants to leverage DeLaGarza’s attacking capability, he will play right back, which would help the Galaxy attack but could leave Gonzalez and fellow center back Leonardo at Davies’s mercy.

Which matchup are you most looking forward to in Sunday’s final? Let us know in the comments section below.

Blake Thomsen is a frequent ASN contributor. Follow him on Twitter.