San Jose Earthquakes vs LA Galaxy
, KO: 03:00 Aug 1, 2024, PayPal Park
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES and LA Galaxy square off in a Leagues Cup Group B clash on Thursday. The Galaxy have a fine record at PayPal Park and should have the upper hand over San Jose.
San Jose Earthquakes needed penalties to see off Guadalajara in their opening Leagues Cup fixture. They took an early lead through Jeremy Ebobisse but were pegged back in added time before going on to win in the shoot-out.
That was a much needed result for San Jose Earthquakes, who had lost their previous three matches. Two of those defeats have come at PayPal Park while Ian Russell’s men are also winless in seven of their last eight home matches.
Thursday's clash will be LA Galaxy’s first outing in this year’s Leagues Cup and they are coming off a 3-2 victory over Portland Timbers in an MLS fixture. Goals from Gabriel Pec, John Paintsil and Riqui Puig were enough to earn them that win.
A major concern for manager Greg Vanney will be the defence as LA Galaxy have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last five matches. However, despite the defensive vulnerability, they have won seven of their last nine matches across all competitions.
How the bookies view it: Galaxy with the upper hand
LA Galaxy have been installed as favourites among the bookies and are priced at evens with Betfred. A victory for San Jose Earthquakes is valued at 3/1 while a draw is set at odds of 13/5 by Betfred.
Recent head to head: No answers for Galaxy
LA Galaxy often do well in this fixture and are unbeaten in the last seven matches against San Jose Earthquakes. They have claimed six wins in that run, including a 3-0 victory at PayPal Arena in an MLs fixture back in June.
Players to watch: Attacks to shine for Galaxy
LA Galaxy have shown their attacking quality with Gabriel Pec and John Paintsil often among the goals in recent weeks. With Riqui Puig also contributing from midfield, Galaxy could be backed to score first at 7/10 with Betfred.
With the LA Galaxy not particularly convincing at the back, San Jose Earthquakes will be looking to capitalise. Amahl Pellegrino and Jeremy Ebobisse often feature in attack and could help the hosts grab the first goal at 23/20 by Betfred.
Probable line-ups
Jeremy Ebobisse should lead the line once again for the San Jose Earthquakes following his goal last time out. Amahl Pellegrino is also expected to feature in attack while Rodrigues should retain his place in the heart of defence.
Dejan Joveljic remains sidelined for LA Galaxy with injury and will miss Thursday’s clash. Gabriel Pec and John Paintsil should feature attack while Riqui Puig is set to continue in midfield.
San Jose Earthquake: Daniel, Kikanovic, Rodrigues, Beason, Vitor Costa, Yueill, Guezo, Espinoza, Lopez, Pellegrino, Ebobisse
LA Galaxy: McCarthy, Nelson, Yoshida, Caceres, Yamane, Cerrillo, Delgado, Fagundez, Puig, Gabriel Pec, Paintsil
Anything else catch the eye?
LA Galaxy have seen over 4.5 goals in their last two matches and a repeat is priced at 9/4 by Betfred. Over 3.5 goals could also be considered at evens with Betfred.
Having scored in both halves in the last four meetings with San Jose Earthquakes, LA Galaxy could be set for a similar pattern at 11/8 with Betfred. There were more goals after the break in the last meeting and a similar pattern is priced at 19/20 with Betfred.
This match between San Jose Earthquakes and LA Galaxy will be played on Aug 1, 2024 and kick off at 03:00. Check below for our tipsters best San Jose Earthquakes vs LA Galaxy prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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