San Jose Earthquakes vs LA Galaxy: Preview, predictions and lineups

San Jose Earthquakes are all set to play host to in-state rivals LA Galaxy in Major League Soccer action this weekend.

San Jose’s dismal 2024 campaign has seen head coach Luchi Gonzalez lose his job on the touchline at PayPal Park with the Western Conference team in last place in the division with a mere 11 points collected from 19 matches played. The Earthquakes will look to put an end to an eight-match winless run as they take on their bitter rivals Saturday night, aiming to do the impossible against an impressive Galaxy side.

On the other side of the matchup, the Galaxy have managed to pull off five wins from their last six matches played that includes victories over in-form sides like NYCFC and Real Salt Lake. Gregg Vanney’s side have looked a completely different team in 2024 when compared to the 2023 side with the additions of Joseph Paintsil and Gabriel Pec over the winter transfer window.

Here’s 90min‘s preview of San Jose Earthquakes vs LA Galaxy.

Current form (all competitions)

San Jose will be without a few key players in their primetime contest against the Galaxy. First-choice goalkeeper Daniel is close to a return from his hamstring injury while backup goalkeeper JT Marcinowski is expected to return from his knee injury suffered last October in the next few weeks.

A hip injury has sidelined full-back Carlos Akapo and he’s on track to return in July while midfielder Carlos Gruezo is taking part in Copa America 2024 with the Ecuador national team.

San Jose Earthquakes predicted lineup vs LA Galaxy ( 4-3-3 ): Jackson; Marie, Munie, Rodrigues, Costa; Yueill, Tsakiris, Lopez; Espinoza, Ebobisse, Kikanovic.

The Galaxy’s star of the show Riqui Puig remains out of action with a groin injury and is expected to return to the mix later…