SJ Earthquakes vs LA Galaxy Prediction: Los Angeles Galaxy are favored to win 3-1 against San Jose Earthquakes in their Leagues Cup match, though cup competitions can often produce surprising results.
The California Clasico rivalry is set to ignite once again as the San Jose Earthquakes host the LA Galaxy in a crucial Leagues Cup group stage match. With both teams looking to advance in the tournament, this clash at PayPal Park promises high stakes and intense action.
Match Preview
The Earthquakes enter this contest with a slight edge, having secured a hard-fought victory over Guadalajara in their opening Leagues Cup fixture. That win, decided by penalties after a 1-1 draw, has positioned San Jose at the top of West 2 group with two points.
LA Galaxy, on the other hand, will be making their Leagues Cup debut in this match. The Galaxy have been in impressive form in MLS play, currently leading the Western Conference with 49 points. This stark contrast in league standings – with San Jose at the bottom of the Western Conference – adds an intriguing dimension to this cup tie.
SJ Earthquakes vs LA Galaxy Lineups and Formations
Predicted San Jose Earthquakes Lineups (4-4-2): Ebobisse, Lopez, Espinoza, Costa, Yueill, Beason, Pellegrino, Rodrigues, Kikanovic, Morales, Daniel.
Predicted Los Angeles Galaxy Lineups (4-2-3-1): McCarthy, Pec, Cerrillo, Nelson, Puig, Yamane, Delgado, Fagundez, Neal, Yoshida, Paintsil.
The Earthquakes are likely to maintain their usual 4-4-2 formation, relying on the partnership of Espinoza and Ebobisse up front. For the Galaxy, expect a 4-2-3-1 setup with Paintsil leading the line and supported by a creative midfield trio.
Players Unavailable or Doubtful
San Jose Earthquakes:
- Daniel Munie (knock)
- Carlos Akapo (lower body issue)
- Bruno Wilson (knee injury)
- JT Marcinkowski (ACL rehabilitation)
- Niko Tsakiris (international duty – USA U20)
- Cruz Medina (international duty – Mexico U20)
- Emmanuel Ochoa (international duty – Mexico U20)
LA Galaxy:
- Julian Aude (doubtful – knock)
- Dejan Joveljic (questionable – hamstring strain)
- Gaston Brugman (doubtful – knee discomfort)
Where to Watch SJ Earthquakes vs LA Galaxy Live?
Fans can catch all the action live on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV. The match kicks off at 2:30 AM UTC on August 1, 2024.
SJ Earthquakes vs LA Galaxy Live Streaming and TV Schedule for Other Countries:
- USA: MLS Season Pass
- Canada: MLS Season Pass
- UK: MLS Season Pass
- Germany: MLS Season Pass
- France: MLS Season Pass
- Spain: MLS Season Pass
- Italy: MLS Season Pass
- Australia: MLS Season Pass
- Japan: MLS Season Pass
- Brazil: MLS Season Pass
Form Guide and Head-to-Head
San Jose’s recent form has been shaky, with several losses in their last few matches across all competitions. However, their penalty shootout win against Guadalajara in the Leagues Cup opener has provided a much-needed boost.
LA Galaxy, conversely, have been in stellar form, winning four of their last six matches. Their adaptability and willingness to absorb pressure when needed has contributed to their success this season.
In head-to-head encounters, the Galaxy have a clear advantage. They’ve won their last four matches against San Jose and are unbeaten in their previous six visits to PayPal Park.
Correct Score Prediction: Who Will Win?
Given the current form and historical dominance of LA Galaxy in this fixture, they enter as favorites. The Galaxy’s potent attack, led by the likes of Pec, Puig, and Paintsil, could prove too much for San Jose’s defense to handle.
SJ Earthquakes vs LA Galaxy Prediction: San Jose Earthquakes 1-3 LA Galaxy
While San Jose will fight hard on home turf, LA Galaxy’s superior firepower and recent form suggest they’ll come out on top in this California Clasico.
Key Stats
- San Jose have not lost a competitive fixture when scoring first since mid-May
- LA Galaxy have already accumulated 13 more points in the 2024 MLS regular season compared to 2023
- The Galaxy have scored 50 goals in MLS this year, just one fewer than their entire 2023 tally
This Leagues Cup clash promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams eager to progress in the tournament. While the league standings suggest a mismatch, the unpredictable nature of cup competitions and the intensity of this rivalry mean anything could happen when these California rivals face off.
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