San Jose Earthquakes vs LA Galaxy Preview
As the MLS season gains momentum, excitement builds for the upcoming showdown between the San Jose Earthquakes and the LA Galaxy. With both teams aiming for dominance, fans eagerly anticipate the highly anticipated clash at PayPal Park.However, fans aren’t the only ones looking forward to the game as both teams have something to prove. Both teams had the lead in their respective games but while the Galaxy managed to take a point from their clash, the Quakes walked away with nothing.
Not only that, both teams were subject to late goals that went against them which isn’t a good sign for either manager. Yet for the Galaxy, it was the first time that fans got the chance to see their brand new front-four and many were overjoyed with what they saw. The quartet of Gabriel Pec, Joseph Paintsil Riqui Puig and Dejan Joveljic thrived against Inter Miami and may be a serious threat in the future. The same, however, cannot be said for the Quakes, who were shaken by a 94th minute winner for a 2-1 loss.
But there were bright sparks as the Quakes just didn’t generate enough going forward and while it may be early, things may be changing. Still, that doesn’t take away from the fact that manager Luchi Gonzalez has a lot to do with his squad especially defensively with Dallas smacking an impressive 21 shots on goal. Not only that, the late goal combined with Asier Illarramendi’s equaliser doesn’t make for an impressive showing. And given the way the Galaxy’s attacking quartet is clicking, it makes for an interesting watch.
San Jose Earthquakes vs LA Galaxy Team News
San Jose Earthquakes
The only major absence for the San Jose Earthquakes is goalkeeper JT Marcinkowski, who tore his ACL, PCL, and MCL in October 2023 and is thus still rehabbing his injury. Reports have indicated that the 26-year-old may miss a majority of the 2024 season. Niko Tsakiris is the other miss for the Quakes as he is unlikely to be fit in time to fit the Galaxy. The midfielder is currently out with a groin injury and remains a few weeks from full fitness with many predicting a mid-March return.
Also Read: FC Dallas vs CF Montreal Preview, Prediction and Betting Tips
LA Galaxy
Fortunately, for the Galaxy, they don’t have too many injury concerns as Jalen Neal (abdominal) is their only major issue. The defender started the year injured and has no return date attached to him as of now. Julian Aude is also doubtful for the game against San Jose but could be subject to a late fitness test.
However, thanks to his sending-off against Inter Miami, the club will be without Marky Delgado. Delgado will be back to face Nashville on March 10th which means he’ll only miss one game.
San Jose Earthquakes vs LA Galaxy Predicted Lineups
San Jose Earthquakes
It’s unlikely manager Luchi Gonzalez will make major changes to his side despite their opening weekend loss to FC Dallas.
Predicted XI: Daniel; Carlos Akapo, Rodrigues, Tanner Beason, Paul Marie; Carlos Gruezo, Jackson Yueill, Jack Skahan; Cristian Espinoza, Jeremy Ebobisse, Benjamin Kikanovic.
LA Galaxy
Much like his counterpart, Greg Vanney’s only change will likely be replacing the suspended Marky Delgado.
Predicted XI: John McCarthy; Miki Yamane, Maya Yoshida, Martin Caceres, Julian Aude; Daneil Aguirre, Edwin Cerrillo; Joseph Paintsil, Riqui Puiq, Gabriel Pec; Dejan Joveljic.
San Jose Earthquakes vs LA Galaxy Head-to-Head
Played: 95; San Jose Earthquakes: 33, LA Galaxy: 44, Draws: 18
Last five games:
San Jose Earthquakes 2-3 LA Galaxy (MLS)
San Jose Earthquakes 2-2 La Galaxy (MLS)
La Galaxy 2-1 San Jose Earthquakes (MLS)
San Jose Earthquakes 2-3 LA Galaxy (MLS)
La Galaxy 2-3 San Jose Earthquakes (MLS)
San Jose Earthquakes vs LA Galaxy Prediction
With both defenses still struggling to find their footing, expect there to be goals and lots of them as the oddsmakers have given both teams a high chance of scoring.
Prediction: San Jose Earthquakes 3-2 LA Galaxy
San Jose Earthquakes vs LA Galaxy Betting Tips
San Jose Earthquakes vs LA Galaxy Betting tips:
Both teams to score: Yes
First team to score: San Jose Earthquakes
Total goals over 3: Yes
San Jose Earthquakes vs LA Galaxy Odds:
San Jose Earthquakes: 2.08
Draw: 4.09
LA Galaxy: 3.25
San Jose Earthquakes vs LA Galaxy Timings and Telecast
- PayPal Park on Sun, Mar 3, 2024, 03:30 UTC
- India: MLS Season Pass
- United Kingdom: MLS Season Pass
- US: Apple TV.
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