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Imagine the proposition of taking on Didier Drogba, Andrea Pirlo, Kaka and David Villa. We pick the MLS All-Star line-up who could face Arsenal. The MLS All-Stars will play last seasons Premier League runners-up Arsenal in a friendly on Thursday (live coverage on Sky Sports 2 HD from 00.50am on Friday).The squad was announced on July 17 with All-Star head coach, and San Jose Earthquakes boss, Dominic Kinnear choosing 24 of the 26 selected players. League commissioner Don Garber was given two squad picks, and decided to opt for FC Dallas playmaker Mauro Diaz and Real Salt Lake stalwart Kyle Beckerman rather than the big names of Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard. Arsenal will face the best of MLS in the 2016 MLS All-Star Game on Thursday, July 28 at Avaya Stadium in San Jose However, there are still plenty of great players on the roster. The question is, who will make the starting XI? Here, we pick what we think is the strongest line-up of those players named in the squad to face Arsenal...Andre Blake Andre Blake has been one of the leagues standout goalkeepers Andre Blake has earned rave reviews throughout the 2016 season for his dominant displays in goal for the impressive Philadelphia Union.A first round pick in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft, the Jamaica international was a substitute for the majority of his first professional season.But one year on, Blake has gone on to become Philadelphias undisputed starting choice in goal, making a number of highlight-reel worthy saves throughout the campaign.Steve Birnbaum Birnbaums performances in MLS has resulted in call-ups to the national team Steve Birnbaum has been a regular in a D.C. Uniteds defence throughout the season, and impressed enough to be called into Jurgen Klinsmanns USA squad for the Copa America.The 25-year-old has attracted interest from Europe for his performances, and is regarded as one of the leagues brightest defensive talents.Laurent Ciman Laurent Ciman has played a vital role in Montreal Impacts backline Since joining Montreal Impact during the 2015 season, Ciman is widely regarded as one of the best defenders in the MLS and has been given the nod for the All-Star game for the second successive year.The Belgium international has been an integral part of the Impact side, and was named MLS defender of the year in 2015.Kendall Waston Kendall Waston is one of the leagues most uncompromising centre backs One of the most physically-imposing defenders around, standing at 6ft 5in, Waston has established himself as a no-nonsense centre back for Vancouver Whitecaps. The Costa Rica international was the clubs Player of the Year last season and was nominated to the MLS Best XI.Kaka Kaka is Orlando Citys captain The Brazil midfielder is the key playmaker for Orlando, having been the club captain since joining before their first ever MLS season in 2015.Injuries have limited Kakas number of appearances this season, playing and starting in just nine matches and scoring three goals.However, the winner of the 2007 Ballon Dor has still impressed in the games he has featured in, contributing five assists. Thats just two fewer than his total in 2015.Andrea Pirlo Andrea Pirlo has scored one goal during his time in MLS Despite a rocky start, Pirlo looks to have finally settled down in a slightly more advanced midfield role with eight assists to his name in 2016 for New York City.Playing alongside Frank Lampard and former Athletic Bilbao defender Andoni Iraola acting as the holding midfielder, Pirlo has been able to play with greater creativity. The Italian scored his first goal in MLS with a free-kick against Philadelphia Union on June 18.Giovani dos Santos Giovani dos Santos is LA Galaxys top scorer this season Giovani dos Santos has been the most productive attacking player for LA Galaxy this season with seven goals and six assists. Only Steven Gerrard has more assists than Dos Santos with seven overall.Dos Santos had his most successful period this season between the end of April and the start of May where he scored five goals in four matches.Jermaine Jones USA international Jermaine Jones has enjoyed a good start to life with Colorado Rapids Having joined Colorado from New England Revolution just days before this season starting, Jones had to begin with a six-match ban for his conduct towards a referee after being sent off in the knockout round of the play-offs against D.C United the previous season.But his displays since then have helped take Colorado to a surprise second place in the Western Conference standings. The combative midfielder could be a strong defensive influence in what is sure to be an attack-heavy All-Stars team lining up against Arsenal.Sebastian Giovinco Sebastian Giovinco scored a hat-trick against DC United on Saturday Giovinco was in the midst of an eight-game goal drought, but ended the run with a hat-trick against D.C. United on Saturday night. The dry spell was surprising, considering last season he was the leagues leader in goals and assists.However, despite the mid-season slump, the 29-year-old is still enjoying a successful campaign. He has scored 11 goals and added seven assists in 19 matches. Recently, he won the ESPY award for best MLS player.Didier Drogba Didier Drogba has quickly become a fan favourite in Montreal Arsenal may be fearful of the former Chelsea talisman who boasts a record of 15 goals in 15 Premier League games against the Gunners.And in MLS, Drogba has had an immense impact on the league having scored 19 goals in 23 appearances during the end of the 2015 campaign and the start of 2016. In his first 11 matches with the Impact, he scored 11 goals and most recently scored a hat-trick against Philadelphia Union on Saturday night.David Villa David Villa is currently MLS top goalscorer Villa is currently the top goalscorer in MLS with 13 goals for New York City. The former Spain international predominantly operates as the lone striker in Patrick Vieiras 4-3-3 formation, and with an impressive support cast of Lampard, Pirlo and young Englishman Jack Harrison providing goal opportunities, Villa has every chance of beating his goal tally of 13 goals last season.Notable AbsenteesBradley Wright-Phillips - Has scored 11 goals this season but they have come in patches. Wright-Phillips started the season with a seven-game goal drought.Robbie Keane - Struggled for minutes this season after battling injury and being part of Republic of Irelands Euro 2016 squad, but still has six goals in nine matches. Frank Lampard has been in strong form for New York City in recent weeks Frank Lampard - Did not start his first league game this season until June 16 because of injury, but now has an impressive five goals in his last seven matches. Steven Gerrard - Has three goals and seven assists in 14 games played this season.Watch the MLS All-Star team v Arsenal in a live Major League Soccer special on Sky Sports 2 HD from 00.50am on Friday. Also See: Drogba, Pirlo to face Arsenal WATCH: Arsenal to play MLS All-Stars Wright-Phillips inspires derby win WATCH: McNamaras rocket strike Adidas NMD R2 Baratas . Louis Blues and Buffalo Sabres came to an agreement on a big trade that may only offer incremental improvement to the Blues in their quest for a Stanley Cup. Adidas NMD R2 Hombre . The Toronto Maple Leafs were holding a news conference, so they got curious. It didnt take long for them to find out via social media that coach Randy Carlyle was coming back — with a two-year extension — and assistants Greg Cronin, Scott Gordon and Dave Farrish were being let go. http://www.baratasnmd.com/adidas-deerupt-baratas.html . Quarterback Drew Willy appeared to injure his throwing hand on the third last play of practice Thursday. Adidas GSG Baratas . He will be practicing with the Norfolk Admirals (AHL) on a conditioning assignment. - @AnaheimDucks Corey Perry has a knee sprain and will miss the next three to four weeks. Adidas NMD R1 Mujer Baratas . The Opening Day starter played 53 games this season hitting .192 with nine home runs and 25 RBI. Red Sox manager John Farrell has decided to start Jose Iglesias at third base as of late instead of Middlebrooks.CLEVELAND -- Only hours before this seasons home opener, the Indians guaranteed Jason Kipnis will be around for more than a few more. The All-Star second baseman agreed to a $52.5 million, six-year contract on Friday, binding him to the Indians through the 2019 season. The deal includes a club option for 2020. Kipnis signed the contract one day after turning 27, giving him a birthday gift of wealth and security hell never forget. "Its an amazing feeling to get something done," said Kipnis. "I wanted to stay here. Im excited about being here." Kipnis is the latest core player to be signed to a long-term deal by the Indians, who reached agreements with outfielder Michael Brantley (4 years, $25 million) and catcher Yan Gomes (6 years, $23 million) in the past two months. "Its the ownership, the top, showing us that they believe in us, that weve got the guys who can win games now and we want them stick around," Kipnis said. "Im excited about be a part of that." Kipnis had already signed a one-year deal worth $554,900 in the major leagues and $305,700 in the minors. The new deal calls for a $1 million signing bonus and salaries of $2 million this year, $4 million in 2015, $6 million in 2016, $9 million in 2017, $13.5 million in 2018 and $14.5 million in 2019. The Indians option for 2020 is at $16.5 million with a $2.5 million buyout. He gets a hotel suite on road trips. And he would get a $500,000 payment if hes traded. Kipnis agreement covers this season, all three of his arbitration-eligible years and extends through at least the first two seasons after he could have become a free agent. The Indians and Kipnis agents had been negotiating a deal for months. "This was our third attempt at it, so its good to finally be able to get it done," general manager Chris Antonetti said . "Its a complicated thing. You have to figure out what the right value is, what the appropriate way is to share risk, and this was the time we were able to do it." Kipnis developed into one of the ALs rising staars last season, batting .dddddddddddd284 with 17 homers and 84 RBIs in 149 games. He also stole 30 bases, scored 86 runs and led the Indians in runs, hits, RBIs and steals. Kipnis has endeared himself to the Indians, manager Terry Francona and Cleveland fans with his hustling, win-at-all-costs playing style. That grit on display Wednesday night in the ninth inning in Oakland, when after twice failing to move two runners over with a bunt, Kipnis beat out a fielders choice, stole second and scored the go-ahead run as the Indians rallied for a 6-4 win in the second game of a doubleheader. "That was Kip in a bottle," Francona said. "Thats the way Kip plays. Youd see a lot of guys maybe not get the bunt down, strike out, get mad because we asked him to bunt and we lose." After going 92-70 last season and making the AL playoffs for the first time since 2007, the Indians have shown a strong commitment to winning -- now. That hasnt always been the case in Cleveland, where fans have seen the front office trade star pitchers CC Sabathia and Cliff Lee before they could leave as free agents. These new deals, coming a year after the Indians signed free agents Nick Swisher and Michael Bourn to multiyear contracts, are a signal the club intends to compete for a championship. "Its so awesome," Swisher said. "This is not a one-and-done organization anymore. The moves that were making are all the right moves." The signings, too, have changed outside perception of the Indians, who havent won a World Series title since 1948. "When I was on other teams in coming to Cleveland, if you didnt sweep, it was a bad road trip," said Swisher, who previously played with the Yankees, Chicago White Sox and Oakland Athletics. "For us now, people are realizing that when you come in here, were going to fight for it. I think last years record speaks for itself, but that wasnt our goal, to go out and have one great, amazing season and then just fall off. Everything is going in the right direction." ' ' '