Los Angeles FC are set to maintain their lead at the top of the Western Conference as they host San Jose Earthquakes in an MLS fixture on Saturday. The hosts often do their best work at home and should have too much for the Earthquakes, who have been woeful on their travels this season.
Los Angeles FC have been impressive in the MLS this season and are currently setting the pace in the Western Conference. They are two points clear at the top having suffered just three defeats from 13 matches so far.
Steven Cherundolo’s men have stumbled slightly lately and have claimed just one win in their last four matches across all competitions. They claimed a 2-0 victory at Columbus Crew in their previous MLS fixture but followed that up with a 3-1 defeat to LA Galaxy in the US Open Cup on Thursday.
A solid home record has been at the heart of Los Angeles’ solid MLS campaign with just one defeat in seven matches at the Banc of California Stadium. They have claimed four wins in that run but have only kept one clean sheet in their last six home matches in the league.
While Los Angeles are setting the pace in the MLS, San Jose Earthquakes are battling near the other end of the table. They are currently sitting 11th in the Western Conference, just three points above bottom side Vancouver.
San Jose Earthquakes have attempted to get their season back on track in recent weeks and travel to Los Angeles unbeaten in their last four MLS matches. Alex Covelo’s men have claimed two wins in that run but were held to a 1-1 draw by Sporting Kansas in their previous MLS fixture.
San Jose are still winless away from home this season. They have lost four of their five matches on the road this term and the 13 goals conceded in that run also points to a vulnerable backline.
How the bookies view it
The bookies have Los Angeles as overwhelming favourites with a home win priced at 4/9 by 10bet. A victory for San Jose Earthquakes is valued at 11/2 by Unibet while a draw is set at odds of 7/2 by Sport Nation.
Head to head
Los Angeles have a 7-5 advantage from 12 previous matches against San Jose Earthquakes. They have also won five of the six fixtures at the Banc of California Stadium, including a 3-1 victory in the most recent meeting back in October.
Players to watch
Carlos Vela is once again having a fine campaign for Los Angeles and is their leading scorer with six goals this term. The Mexican striker will be the one to watch on Saturday and is priced at 8/11 by bet365 to get on the score sheet.
In the midst of all their troubles this season, Jeremy Ebobisse has stood out for San Jose Earthquakes. The forward has seven goals this season and is priced at 11/4 by bet365 to find the net on Saturday.
Anything else catch the eye?
Los Angeles and San Jose Earthquakes produced over 3.5 goals in their last meeting and with neither team convincing at the back this season, a repeat could be considered at 11/8 with BetVictor. Both teams were also on target in the second half in their last meeting and Saturday’s clash could be tipped to follow a similar pattern at 2/1 with William Hill.
Given the minimal odds for a straight Los Angeles victory, a win and over 3.5 goals provides more value at 21/10 by Paddy Power.
This MLS match between Los Angeles FC and San Jose Earthquakes will be played on May 28, 2022 and kick off at 23:00. Check below for our tipsters best Los Angeles FC vs San Jose Earthquakes prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
