San Jose Earthquakes host LA Galaxy at PayPal Park on Saturday in an MLS Western Conference clash. While the visitors are aiming to retain an automatic playoff spot, the struggling home side are looking to spring a surprise as they fight to climb off the foot of the table.
San Jose Earthquakes come into this game full of confidence after earning a 4-2 win at FC Dallas last time out. That result means Bruce Arena's men are now unbeaten in nine of their last 10 matches in all competitions and currently sit fifth in the table.
Home form has been pivotal for San Jose Earthquakes, who are unbeaten in six of their last seven matches in all competitions, earning four wins in that run. The one blemish for the hosts is their vulnerable backline that is without a clean sheet in nine of the last 10 matches at PayPal Park.
LA Galaxy ‘s poor campaign does not seem to be getting better as they remain rooted to the foot of the table. They are winless in nine of their last 10 MLS matches and were beaten 2-0 by Colorado Rapids in their previous fixture.
The result in Colorado extends an abysmal record on the road for LA Galaxy, who are yet to win away from home. Greg Vanney’s men have lost eight of their last nine league matches on their travels.
How the bookies view it: Earthquakes overwhelming favourites
The bookies have installed San Jose Earthquakes as overwhelming favourites, with a home win priced at 3/4 with BoyleSports. An unlikely victory for LA Galaxy is valued at 9/4 while a draw is set at odds of 14/5.
Head to head: LA Galaxy on top
LA Galaxy have a 29-26 edge, with 16 draws from 71 previous matches against San Jose Earthquakes. However, the hosts claimed a 1-0 away victory in the reverse fixture.
Players to watch: Reliable Arango
Cristian Arango is the leading scorer for San Jose Earthquakes, with 10 MLS goals. Josef Martinez also has eight goals this season and both men can serve up over 1.5 goals for the hosts (San Jose over 1.5 goals – 4/9 BoyleSports).
Gabriel Pec has scored twice in his last two away matches and will be tasked with providing the attacking spark for LA Galaxy. The forward could combine with Matheus Nascimento to produce over 0.5 goals for the visitors (LA Galaxy over 0.5 goals – 1/5 BoyleSports).
Probable lineups:
San Jose will be without Niko Tsakiris and Noel Buck due to injuries. However, Arango, Martinez and Cristian Espinoza are expected to start.
LA Galaxy’s only injury worry is Riqui Puig who is still sidelined. They are likely to retain much of the team from the previous fixture, with Nascimento, Pec and Joseph Paintsil set to keep their spots in the lineup.
San Jose Earthquakes: Daniel, Rodrigues, Romney, Munie, Jones, Leroux, Harkes, Costa, Espinoza, Martinez, Arango
LA Galaxy: Micovic, Yamane, Yoshida, Garces, Nelson, Cerillo, Reus, Magole, Pec, Nascimento, Painstill
Anything else catch the eye?
Five of San Jose Earthquakes' last seven home matches have produced over 3.5 goals – available at 10/11 with BoyleSports. Their last two home matches have also seen more goals after the break (Second Half most goals – Priced at 5/6).
LA Galaxy’s last two matches have produced over 1.5 goals in the first half (First Half over 1.5 goals – offered at Evens).
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