Los Angeles FC vs San Jose Earthquakes Prediction & Betting Tips - Major League Soccer

Prediction published on 07/07/2023, 15:48  by Joseph King | Modified on 07/07/2023 at 15:49 in Major League Soccer Predictions

A California derby in the MLS sees third-place LAFC hosting the sixth-placed San Jose Earthquakes for this Western Conference battle. LAFC are spiraling fast as they have now suffered three consecutive defeats. The latest loss occurred against their bitter rivals the LA Galaxy in a 2-1 match played at the Rose Bowl on the fourth of July. The defending MLS Cup champions will look to get back on track at the Banc of California Stadium where they have won six of 10 outings and amassed a +9 goal differential. Los Angeles has beaten the Quakes the previous three times they have welcomed them to this stadium. The oddsmakers have the home team as heavy favorites to get the three points here and it’s difficult to envision the champions dropping a fourth straight. They now trail leaders St Louis City by three points in the standings. LAFC have impressive underlying numbers with their 1.91 average expected goals per match the highest in the entire MLS. 

San Jose are having a very respectable season as they look to consolidate a playoff position. It’s been a marked improvement for the Earthquakes who finished the 2022 campaign rock-bottom of the Western Conference standings. This time around they are sitting sixth with a three point lead over ninth-place Vancouver. Three points here would go a long way to creating some separation from the teams directly below them in what is a very congested West playoff race. San Jose could potentially leapfrog two teams with a win as they sit two points behind Real Salt Lake who currently occupy the fourth-place position. Wins have been somewhat difficult to come by in the last six weeks for the Quakes who have managed just two victories in their last eight fixtures. However, they have done a good job of picking up points as they have also suffered just two defeats during that stretch. Their most recent result was a 2-2 home draw with the LA Galaxy last weekend.