Verdict: Los Angeles FC win & Both teams to score
Best Odds: 33/20
Bookmaker: Unibet
Two sides who should be glad to make a return to MLS duties this weekend, Los Angeles will welcome local rivals San Jose to the Banc of California Stadium late on Saturday night.
Los Angeles FC
Starting with the hosts, while Los Angeles might still find themselves leading the chase at the top of the Western Conference, they are in the midst of a worrying rut. Putting in a nightmare display earlier in the week as they came crashing out of the US Open Cup thanks to a 3-1 drumming against bitter local rivals LA Galaxy, Head Coach Steve Cherundolo is calling on his side to find a much-needed boost. However, including what could turn out to be a costly 2-1 defeat against fellow title contenders Austin on May 19th, LAFC have lost three of their last four matchups across all formats. However, smelling what is a real chance to make a return to winning ways late on Saturday night, Cherundolo’s men should be boosted by their most recent meeting against the Earthquakes. Claiming a 3-1 victory when they welcomed San Jose across California last season, the Blacks will be hoping for a similar display here.
Team News
In what could be a real blow for Los Angeles this weekend, attacking talisman and ex-Arsenal striker Carlos Vela is set to miss out after limping off in midweek.
Despite also picking up a knock earlier in the week, LAFC are hopeful that Diego Palacios will be able to feature on Saturday night.
San Jose Earthquakes
As for the visitors, while San Jose might have found somewhat of a boost after appointing interim boss Alex Covelo, the Earthquakes are coming off the back of their own nightmare display. Also crashing out of the US Open Cup after a 2-0 defeat against lower-league Sacramento Republic, the Western Conference strugglers will know they face a stern test here. Watching their five-match unbeaten run come to an abrupt end last time out, the Blues already find themselves sat four points adrift of breaking into the play-off places. However, despite shocking many with a 3-2 victory against Portland on May 15th, it should be noted that San Jose have gained a reputation for their issues on the road. Including Thursday’s US Open Cup defeat at the hands of Sacramento, this weekend’s guests have managed to win just one of their previous seven away fixtures across all formats.
Team News
Suffering that shock US Open Cup exit earlier in the week, interim boss Covelo is expected to make a string of changes on Saturday night.
After bagging seven MLS goals so far this season, attacking star Jeremy Ebobisse will undoubtedly lead their charge here.
Key Factors to Consider
- When the two sides faced off at the Banc of California Stadium last season, Los Angeles picked up a 3-1 victory.
- However, LAFC have lost three of their last four domestic contests.
- Likewise, San Jose have managed to win just one of their previous seven matchups on the road.
- Six of Los Angeles’ last eight home fixtures across all formats have finished with both teams finding the net.
- Five of the previous six meetings between Saturday’s opponents have also finished with both teams bagging at least a single strike.
Conclusion
Crashing out of the US Open Cup a few days ago thanks to a 3-1 drumming against LA Galaxy, Los Angeles will be desperate to draw a line under their extended blip. However, facing another derby showdown late on Saturday night, the Western Conference leaders have lost three of their last and have shown some recent issues at the back. While they might be coming up against a San Jose side who are battling it out at the foot of the Western Conference, Saturday’s opponents do have a habit of producing lively affairs. It should be noted, with LAFC and the Earthquakes seeing five of their previous six meetings finish with both teams finding the net, we’re backing a similar outcome here.
Verdict: Los Angeles FC win & Both teams to score
Best Odds: 33/20
Bookmaker: Unibet
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