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

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.

San Jose Earthquakes vs LA Galaxy H2H record (Last Five Games)

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San Jose Earthquakes team news

Carlos Gruezo is competing at Copa America / John Todd/ISI Photos/GettyImages

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

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

LA Galaxy team news

Riqui Puig remains sidelined / Michael Janosz/ISI Photos/GettyImages

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 on in July. Fellow midfielder Gaston Brugman is also set to miss the match with a knee injury and he's on track to return in mid-July.

LA Galaxy predicted lineup vs San Jose Earthquakes

LA Galaxy predicted lineup vs San Jose Earthquakes ( 4-2-3-1 ): McCarthy; Yamane, Neal, Yoshida, Aude; Delgado, Cerrillo; Pec, Fagundez, Paintsil; Joveljic.

San Jose Earthquakes vs LA Galaxy score prediction

All signs are pointing to a dominant victory for LA Galaxy, but it might not be that straightforward. San Jose will have the "new manager bounce" with interim head coach Ian Russell while also playing for pride against a rival.

However, the Galaxy simply have too much quality in their staring XI to walk away from the match with anything but three points. San Jose will try to make things difficult, but it will be a comfortable victory for the Gs in the end.

Prediction: San Jose Earthquakes 0-2 LA Galaxy