Reigning MLS Cup champions Los Angeles FC will be eager to halt a rare three-game losing streak when they host San Jose Earthquakes at BMO Stadium on Saturday.
LAFC suffered a derby defeat against the Los Angeles Galaxy on Tuesday, while San Jose also faced the Galaxy in their previous match, playing out a 2-2 draw last weekend.
Match preview
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Despite racking up 17 shots – including eight attempts on target – Los Angeles FC endured a disappointing 2-1 defeat against arch-rivals LA Galaxy in midweek, with ex-Barcelona midfielder Riqui Puig scoring the winning goal to break LAFC hearts.
That defeat extended the Black and Gold's losing run to three matches, with a 3-2 loss against the Vancouver Whitecaps and a 2-0 defeat against FC Dallas preceding Tuesday's El Trafico failure.
It is also worth noting that Steve Cherundolo's men have lost five of their last seven MLS encounters, and they have also lost eight of their previous 11 games across all competitions, suffering defeats in both the CONCACAF Champions League and US Open Cup along the way.
Still, the defending MLS Cup and Supporters' Shield champions remain just three points behind Western Conference leaders St Louis City thanks to a phenomenal start to the season, as they suffered a solitary defeat in their opening 13 league matches, picking up seven wins and five draws in the process.
Regardless of their recent slump, LAFC boast the best defensive record in the West and the second-best defensive record in the entire league, so they will be hopeful of ending their losing streak before it gets any longer.
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San Jose Earthquakes came from behind on two occasions to hold LA Galaxy to a draw last weekend, as Jack Skahan equalised on the stroke of half time before Cristian Espinoza snatched a point for his team in the 81st minute.
As a result, the Earthquakes head into Saturday's showdown on a four-game winless run, having recorded two draws and two losses since their last victory, with back-to-back defeats against Houston Dynamo and St Louis City preceding last weekend's draw.
It is worth pointing out, however, that San Jose have lost just two of their previous eight matches, picking up two wins and four draws along the way, so Luchi Gonzalez's men will fancy their chances of avoiding defeat on Saturday.
That said, the Quakes possess the second-worst away record in the Western Conference, having recorded one win, three draws and six losses on their travels this season.
San Jose have also conceded 19 goals across their 10 away league games this year, keeping just two clean sheets in the process, with last month's 4-1 thrashing at the hands of the Houston Dynamo highlighting their struggles on the road.
Team News
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United States international Aaron Long is on CONCACAF Gold Cup duty at the moment, meaning that veteran centre-back Giorgio Chiellini will be joined by Denil Maldonado at the heart of LAFC's defence.
With Sergi Palencia, Jesus Murillo and Maxime Crepeau sidelined through injury, Steve Cherundolo has numerous selection dilemmas to address as he aims to end his team's losing run.
Having netted 11 goals in 18 league outings this year, top scorer Denis Bouanga will continue alongside Carlos Vela and Kwadwo Opoku in attack, while John McCarthy is expected to retain his place between the sticks.
San Jose, on the other hand, will be without the injured trio of Nathan, Michael Baldisimo and Jamiro Monteiro this weekend, while teenage forward Cade Cowell is part of the United States' Gold Cup squad.
Luchi Gonzalez will likely stick with his favored 4-2-3-1 formation, with Jeremy Ebobisse leading the line, while Jackson Yueill and Carlos Gruezo are expected to anchor the midfield.
Los Angeles FC possible starting lineup:
McCarthy; Duenas, Maldonado, Chiellini, Hollingshead; Acosta, Sanchez, Tillman; Opoku, Vela, Bouanga
San Jose Earthquakes possible starting lineup:
Daniel; Akapo, Jonathan, Rodrigues, Trauco; Yueill, Gruezo; Skahan, Tsakiris, Espinoza; Ebobisse
We say: Los Angeles FC 2-1 San Jose Earthquakes
Ultimately, it is difficult to imagine the reigning MLS Cup champions suffering four successive defeats, especially when you consider the quality of LAFC's squad.
We expect Saturday's clash to be a tense and cagey affair as the hosts aim to end their losing run, but Cherundolo's side should have enough firepower to edge out San Jose.
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Top tip
Ben Morris
