Los Angeles FC vs San Jose Earthquakes Prediction: High-flying LAFC look to extend their winning streak as they face struggling San Jose Earthquakes at Banc of California Stadium.

One of the most interesting matches of MLS Western Conference will take place on October 20, 2024, when Los Angeles FC hosts San Jose Earthquakes. Just coming into form, LAFC is riding a five-match winning streak coming into this game, while the Earthquakes have had a disastrous season, finding themselves at the very bottom of the table. This is going to be an important matchup for defining the ambitions of both sides, as the playoff race will begin to heat up and LAFC will need a win to secure their spot. Will LAFC keep their stellar form and close the gap between them and first place, or will the Earthquakes pull off an upset?

At this moment, LAFC sits 2nd in the Western Conference, having bossed an excellent campaign with 18 wins, 7 draws, and just 8 losses. They have been one of the most consistent sides in the league, possessing a great attack and an organized defense. That was what happened in the recent 2-1 victory over Vancouver, as they were solid throughout, dominating possession with 53%, having 4 shots on target, and putting in some sterling defensive work, including a heroic clearance off the line. Coach Steven Cherundolo comes into this tie with an energetic 3-4-3 formation, fluid transitions, and rapid attacking build-ups. Coming into this match, LAFC has five wins on the bounce with tremendous confidence.

In this formation, LAFC deploys high pressing for the ball and its quick recuperation. Three central defenders give defensive assurance, while attacking wingbacks provide width in attack. The shape has the effect of creating overloads out wide and allows quick transitions from back to front. LAFC is surely going to dominate possession and use their pace to pull the Earthquakes' defense. Defensively, LAFC is disciplined, winning 63% of their tackles against Vancouver, and they'll hope to nullify San Jose's limited attacking threat early.

Meanwhile, San Jose Earthquakes are positioned 14th with a dismal performance record of 6 wins, 3 draws, and 24 losses. The season has been tough for the visitors, and lately they have been inconsistent, garnering just one win in the last five matches. They lost 1-0 to Real Salt Lake in their last match, where they enjoyed only 44% possession and had only two shots on target. However, they were able to create only one big chance and failed to capitalize on that, too; their weak defensive structure has been one big problem. Their coach, Ian Russell, has tried the 4-2-3-1 system, but so far, it has not yielded any good results because now they have conceded in seven straight matches.

San Jose works in a 4-2-3-1 system but have struggled both in D and with the offense. The midfield is often bypassed, and they rarely manage any kind of possession, as evidenced by 44% ball control against Salt Lake. Manager Ian Russell will most likely set up ultra-conservative against the better LAFC side, playing for long balls and counter-attacks off of 59% passing accuracy. However, defending, they are weak at 33% won tackles and thus will be exposed to the aggressive forward play of LAFC. The Earthquakes will have to be better organized and focus their energies on frustrating LAFC through compact defending and quick transitions.

Head-to-head shows LAFC are leading with 11 wins, San Jose Earthquakes come in with 7 victories, and 1 match has resulted in a draw. This match between the two teams last took place in August 2024 in the Leagues Cup Round of 16, when LAFC thrashed San Jose comprehensively 4-1. This history perhaps suggests that LAFC have had the better of this fixture, especially in recent times, and in form as they are, they will be confident of continuing this trend.

Indeed, 8 out of the last 9 matches between these teams have seen over 2.5 goals, so this has traditionally been a high-scoring fixture.

The attacking nature of these meetings is evident, as both teams have scored in 9 of their last 9 meetings.

This is evidenced by how 5 out of the last 6 matches ended with less than 4.5 cards, meaning these matches are indeed heated but not violently excessive.

Over 10.5 corners have been seen in four of the last five matches, which shows both sides create plenty of attacking momentum.

This fixture seems like it's setting up to be one-sided in recent form and the trajectory of the seasons of both teams. LAFC will, indeed, be expected to be the heavy favorites with attacking solidity and defensive solidity in place to keep the winning streak going. San Jose Earthquakes has been struggling on both ends of the pitch and won't give much fight, considering their poor away form and defensive frailties.

Five wins on the trot and goals scored first in each of the last five games suggest that LAFC come into this tie in the best of conditions. Good starts to games and solid defense-63% of defensive tackles won against Vancouver-suggest they will dictate the pace of the game from the word go.

San Jose Earthquakes, who concede in their last seven matches in a row and boast a poor tackle success rate at 33%, are expected to struggle with LAFC's pacey transition phase of play and high-pressing game. Their inability to defend well in open play makes them quite vulnerable against a team that does well in stretching opposition defenses.

Both teams tend to see high-scoring games against each other. The firepower that LAFC possesses and the leaks in the rear of San Jose point to another goal fest. The 8 from 9 goals over 2.5 goals trend and both teams' "GG" streak in 9 straight H2H do much to suggest an open game.

• Home Win + Over 2.5 Goals @ 1.6 Odds
• GG + Over 2.5 Goals @ 1.64 Odds
• Over 9 Corners @ 1.66 Odds