San Jose Earthquakes will be bidding to move into the top four of the Western Conference standings when they play host to Los Angeles Galaxy on Saturday evening.
In sharp contrast, LA Galaxy require a win at PayPal Park to ensure that they do not end the weekend at the bottom of the table.
Match preview
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Although few teams have performed with any consistency in the Western Conference this season, San Jose are towards the top of list when it comes to unpredictable results.
Either side of a five-match run without defeat, the Earthquakes have suffered two defeats in succession, with the most recent two setbacks coming versus Houston Dynamo and St Louis City.
Nevertheless, despite having lost as many games as they have won this season and possessing a negative goal difference, Luchi Gonzalez's side still sit in fifth position.
After last season's 14th-placed finish, the Earthquakes can claim to be enjoying an excellent campaign, yet it feels like there is more to come from this group of players.
That said, the bulk of their points have come on familiar territory, picking up six wins and three draws from 10 games, and it is imperative that they continue such a run of form when they have been so poor away from home.
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While the Earthquakes have been one of the most improved teams in the Western Conference in 2023, the Galaxy are at the opposite end of the spectrum having failed to back up last year's fourth-placed finish.
Galaxy currently sit in 13th spot, only avoiding still sitting at the bottom courtesy of a four-game unbeaten streak which has delivered six points.
Three draws have been posted in succession, yet there is scope for Greg Vanney's side to get back into contention for the playoffs with two matches in hand on some of the teams above them.
For that to become realistic, a team that has lost half of its 18 league games this season need to get maximum points on the board on a regular basis, and one of their three successes came versus Saturday's opponents in the reverse fixture as recently as May 15.
Team News
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San Jose remain without the services of Cade Cowell who is representing the United States at the Gold Cup.
Having given a strong account of themselves against St Louis City, Gonzalez may be prepared to stick with the team that only lost 2-1 to the division frontrunners.
If a change is made, it may come on the left flank with Benjamin Kikanovic a potential alternative for Jack Skahan.
Meanwhile, LA Galaxy have Jalen Neal and Eriq Zavaleta at the Gold Cup, yet Vanney may still be tempted to make alterations to his first XI.
Tyler Boyd and Douglas Costa are both pushing for an opportunity in the final third, with Dejan Joveljic in line to drop out.
San Jose Earthquakes possible starting lineup:
Daniel; Akapo, Mensah, Rodrigues, Trauco; Yueill, Gruezo; Espinoza, Monteiro, Skahan; Ebobisse
Los Angeles Galaxy possible starting lineup:
Bond; Cuevas, Calegari, Mavinga, Leerdam, Edwards; Aguirre, Brugman, Puig; Boyd; Judd
We say: San Jose Earthquakes 2-1 Los Angeles Galaxy
With the Earthquakes faltering at the same time that LA Galaxy are finding a bit of form, this could prove to be a closer game than many would have been anticipating a few weeks ago. Nevertheless, we have to give the edge to the home side, who could grind out a win by the odd goal in three.
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Top tip
Darren Plant
