ΒΕΤΤΙΝG NEWSLETTERS: Kick Off: Texas derby kicks off full MLS weekend | Valeri back for Timbers?

Kick Off: Texas derby kicks off full MLS weekend | Valeri back for Timbers? | Kaká for Brazil again?

Here are the 15 stories we're talking about this morning:

1. A LITTLE EXTRA SPICE IN THE TEXAS DERBY

The Houston Dynamo and FC Dallas will write the next chapter of the Texas Derby on Friday (8 pm ET, UDN in the US, MLS LIVE in Canada, match preview). Dynamo star Giles Barnes is looking forward to "a bit of extra spice . . . a bit of extra tension" against their in-state rivals, and FCD will have a bit of extra spce themselves with the full return of Mauro Díaz, .

2. TOUGH SPELLS FOR QUAKES AND RSL

While Real Salt Lake’s players may be fitter than ever, that hasn’t prevented a mini-goal drought, something the club will look to end when they take on the San Jose Earthquakes on Friday (10 pm ET, UDN in the US, MLS LIVE in Canada, match preview). The Quakes are bracing themselves, as this match marks the start of three road games in the space of a week.

3. UNION LOOK TO BOUNCE BACK

With a 1-5-1 record in their last seven, the pressure is mounting on the Philadelphia Union to start trending upward. They host Toronto FC on Saturday (4 pm ET, MLS LIVE, TSN4 in Canada, match preview), looking to right the ship against a TFC side that is finally at the end of its seven-game, season-opening road trip. Unfortunately, the Reds could be without goalkeeper Joe Bendik at PPL Park.

4. EASTERN CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP REMATCH

The fact that the New York Red Bulls remain unbeaten has surprised most observers, but not necessarily club captain Dax McCarty. If the club are to stay undefeated, they’ll have to survive a road game against the team that beat them in last year's Eastern Conference Championship, the New England Revolution (Saturday, 7:30 pm ET, MLS LIVE, match preview). With Etihad Airways Player of the Month nominee Andrew Farrell now settled at center back, the Revs are looking back to their best.

5. VALERI SET TO RETURN?

Although Will Johnson is expected to play another rehab game, the Portland Timbers could welcome back playmaker Diego Valeri on Saturday when they host Cascadia rivals Vancouver Whitecaps (10:30 pm ET, MLS LIVE in the US, TSN & RDS2 in Canada, match preview). The Caps are looking to bounce back from defeat as they continue their search for consistency.

6. CREW SC'S EMBARRASSMENT OF RICHES

US youth international Romain Gall hasn't featured much for Columbus Crew SC this season, but head coach Gregg Berhalter explains he's preparing him for the upcoming FIFA U-20 World Cup. Besides, given Crew SC's league-best attack, led by Kei Kamara, there is no need to change things when they travel to D.C. United on Saturday (7 pm ET, MLS LIVE, match preview). The home side, of course, remain tied for 1st in the East, and now have an invaluable addition to their midfield.

7. WILL INJURY-HIT GALAXY OFFER A BOOST FOR THE RAPIDS?

As the Colorado Rapids get ready for their visit to the LA Galaxy on Saturday (10:30 pm ET, MLS LIVE, match preview) and the second part of a difficult coast-to-coast road trip, they could be buoyed by the news that the Galaxy continue to be without some attacking threats.

8. CAN THE FIRE KEEP WINNING?

The Chicago Fire are currently riding a three-game winning streak, and Scottish international Shaun Maloney has been a big part of the club's turnaround this season. The Fire travel to Sporting Kansas City on Sunday (5 pm ET, ESPN2, ESPN Deportes in the US, TSN1 in Canada, match preview) looking to reverse a trend that has seen them win only one of their six visits to Sporting Park. Don't forget, SKC will debut their new 3rd kit.

9. SOUNDERS SYMPATHY FOR NYCFC'S STRUGGLES

New York City FC could welcome back some of their injured players as they attempt to break a six-game winless streak on Sunday when the Seattle Sounders come to the Bronx (7 pm ET, FOX Sports 1, FOX Deportes in the US, TSN1 in Canada, match preview). Having built an expansion squad himself, Sounders head coach SIgi Schmid can relate to the task facing NYCFC's Jason Kreis.

10. HAVE ORLANDO FOUND A SCORING SOLUTION?

Orlando City do not play this weekend, allowing them a little more time to bounce back from last week's home defeat to Toronto FC. It also gives Orlando a bit longer to nurse some of their injured players, including Martin Paterson. Could he be the answer to the club's scoring problems?

11. KAKÁ FOR COPA AMÉRICA

Orlando City star Kaká hasn't featured for Brazil in a competitive match since the 2010 World Cup, but he would relish the chance to play in this summer's Copa América. T"I think I can still play for Brazil," he says. But will manager Dunga call him in?

12. SPECULATION AND RUMORS BEGIN TO FLY

It that time of year again, as transfer rumors are starting to fly. Two that came up this week: an oft-repeated Didier Drogba-to-MLS rumor and one suggesting that Canadian international Atiba Hutchinson could join Toronto FC when his contract with Besiktas expires this summer.

13. HEADLINING NASHVILLE

International soccer may be returning to the Music City, as multiple sources claim that the US national team will play a pre-Gold Cup friendly in Nashville.

14. BUSH PICKS UP A PRIZE

Evan Bush has become the first American to win post-CCL honors after being named the tournament’s Golden Glove winner. However, while one US international is now bound for the Club World Cup, what do the Impact players suggest will help an MLS club win the Champions League?

15. #OURFRIENDCLYDE

Former MLS player Clyde Simms is still waiting for a new kidney, but in the meantime, the former D.C. United star is attempting to lead a regular life and, by his own admission, actually enjoys MLS more now that he’s not playing.

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