Two teams at opposite ends of the Major League Soccer Western division are set to meet on Thursday at the Dignity Health Sports Park, as Los Angeles Galaxy aim to push into the top four.
Meanwhile, at the bottom, San Jose Earthquakes will be searching for their first away victory of the season in a bid to start climbing further up.
Match preview
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LA Galaxy have been enjoying a great season so far following their opening 18 games, which has left them in fifth heading into this particular match.
However, they have had some difficulties in their most recent matches, having lost three of their previous six in all competitions, including their most recent outing.
LA Galaxy's previous game was a derby day encounter against Los Angeles FC, and even though they had come back from behind twice they ended up being beaten 3-2.
Rayan Raveloson found the back of the net in that game, continuing his impressive performances from midfield where he has proven to be a dominant performer.
A win could potentially see LA Galaxy climb as high as third if other results go their way, giving them plenty to play for heading into this one.
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For the visitors, they are aiming to move up from 13th, as a win could see them move up two places, which is something that San Jose Earthquakes will be hoping to achieve.
Right now the Goonies are joint bottom with Sporting Kansas City, as only goal difference separates them, although defensively they are the weakest team in the division.
Nobody has conceded more goals than San Jose Earthquakes, with Alex Covelo's men having let in 37 goals at this point in the season after playing 18 matches.
Two of those took place in their most recent match against Toronto where they drew 2-2, with their early lead being taken away after conceding two goals in the space of four minutes.
San Jose Earthquakes did show their ability to fight for points in that game though as Jack Skahan scored in the 92nd minute to pick up a crucial point.
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Team News
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LA Galaxy recently signed Gaston Brugman from Parma Calcio, and he has the opportunity to make his debut this week, which could be a boost to the squad overall.
Upfront Javier Hernandez and Dejan Joveljic are likely to keep their places in the squad, with the duo proving to have a strong partnership to this point.
San Jose are dealing with several injuries at the moment with Francisco Calvo suffering an ankle issue, while Siad Haji has missed out recently because of a concussion.
After scoring a crucial last-minute equaliser in their most recent match, Skahan could end up being used from the first minute this time rather than as a substitute.
Los Angeles Galaxy possible starting lineup:
Bond; Edwards, Williams, Coulibaly, Araujo; Alvarez, Delgado, Raveloson, Grandsir; Joveljic, Hernandez
San Jose Earthquakes possible starting lineup:
Marcinkowski; Marie, Nathan, Beason, Lopez; Judson, Yueill; Kikanovic, Gregus, Espinoza; Ebobisse
We say: Los Angeles Galaxy 2-0 San Jose Earthquakes
Even though LA Galaxy have been in a difficult patch in terms of form recently, this game could work as the ideal fixture for them to get back to winning ways.
San Jose Earthquakes have been struggling throughout the season, particularly when it comes to conceding goals, which is something that should allow the hosts to pick up three points.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
