Sports Mole previews Sunday's Major League Soccer clash between Dallas and San Jose Earthquakes, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Dallas and San Jose Earthquakes will both be looking to end a three-game winless run in Sunday's meeting between the teams at the Toyota Stadium.

Both sides had to make do with draws in their respective most recent involvements, and they will now aim to go one better in this weekend's encounter.

Match preview

FC Dallas head coach Nico Estevez reacts on September 17, 2023 © Reuters

FC Dallas had to settle for a point in a third successive match in a goalless stalemate against Houston Dynamo at the Shell Energy Stadium on Sunday.

Nico Estevez's men had their backs against the wall for large spells of the contest, but they held firm to come away with a share of the spoils.

Consequently, the Toros remain ninth in the Western Conference of the MLS table, two points behind the last automatic playoff place heading into the final knockings of the regular season.

Up next is the challenge of an opposing outfit with little to choose between the sides over the last eight meetings, which have yielded one win apiece and six draws.

Unbeaten in all but one of their most recent seven home encounters, Sunday's hosts now go in search of a crucial victory to help stake their claim for a place in the postseason.

San Jose Earthquakes head coach Luchi Gonzalez encourages his team on June 4, 2023 © Reuters

San Jose Earthquakes played out a 1-1 stalemate against Minnesota United when the teams went head-to-head at Allianz Field on Sunday morning.

Luchi Gonzalez's men went behind to Teemu Pukki's opener 10 minutes into the second period but managed to restore parity through Paul Marie eight minutes from time.

With 42 points amassed from 32 games, the Goonies sit eighth in the Western Conference standings, one point and one place ahead of their next opponents having played one game more.

Currently on a run of only one win from their last 10 matches on the road across all competitions, Sunday's visitors have it all to do this weekend in what is arguably their most important clash of the campaign.

Dallas Major League Soccer form:

San Jose Earthquakes Major League Soccer form:

Team News

San Jose Earthquakes forward Jeremy Ebobisse (center) reacts after scoring a goal on September 17, 2023 © Reuters

Geovane Jesus and Tarik Scott are both guaranteed absentees for FC Dallas through injury, while Sebastian Lletget also remains out of contention.

Bernard Kamungo was fit enough to be named on the bench last time out, but it remains to be seen if the Tanzanian will play any part in this one.

San Jose's Nathan is a guaranteed absentee here due to a knee injury, which has seen him fail to feature since the back end of last season.

Midfielder Jack Skahan will be pushing for a place in the XI after making his return to action for the away side in a 16-minute cameo last time out.

Dallas possible starting lineup:
Paes; Junqua, Tafari, Ibeagha; Farfan, Quignon, Illarramendi, Twumasi; Velsaco, Ferreira, Arriola

San Jose Earthquakes possible starting lineup:
Daniel; Trauco, Beason, Rodrigues, Akapo; Yueill, Tsakiris; Hoppe, Monteiro, Espinoza; Ebobisse

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We say: Dallas 2-1 San Jose Earthquakes

There is little separating the teams in terms of attacking prowess, but Dallas have been the much better team defensively and consequently, we are tipping them to emerge triumphant from what should be an open and end-to-end contest.

How to watch

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Top tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting under 3.5 goals in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.