San Jose Earthquakes will look to bounce back from consecutive MLS defeats when they play host to Dallas on Saturday.
While the home side are rooted to the foot of the Western Conference, Dallas are set to participate in the playoffs
Match preview
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San Jose have had a season to forget after winning just seven of their 30 matches this season, while they currently have the worst defensive record in the MLS.
Only DC United have collected fewer points than the 30 that San Jose have picked up, which leaves Saturday's hosts firmly out of playoff contention.
Following a poor campaign, San Jose have already turned their attention to 2023, announcing that current United States assistant coach Luchi Gonzalez will take over as manager when the World Cup is completed.
However, before the Quakes can fully focus on next year, they must negotiate their final four games of the season where they will be looking for a response after losing their last two matches.
Interim boss Alex Covelo will be motivating his team to finish the season on a positive note as they look to move off the bottom of the Western Conference.
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Meanwhile, Dallas are on the brink of qualifying for the playoffs with nine points separating them from eighth-placed LA Galaxy who have one game in hand.
Although they currently sit in fourth position, Dallas will still be keen to seal their place in the post-season at the earliest opportunity.
They certainly head into the weekend in fine form after losing only one of their previous seven matches and beating Los Angeles FC last weekend to claim consecutive victories.
Cristian Arango gave LAFC the lead in first-half stoppage time, but a late brace from Jesus Ferreira ensured that Dallas clinched a 2-1 victory.
They will now turn their attention to Saturday's contest where they will be confident of recording another victory after beating San Jose 4-1 in the previous meeting between the two sides in August.
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Team News
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The hosts have to contend with a number of injury absentees, including Siad Haji and Gilbert Fuentes who miss out with groin and knee problems respectively.
Foot injuries will prevent Carlos Akapo and Ousseni Bouda from featuring, while Will Richmond, Casey Walls and George Asomani are also sidelined.
After featuring as a substitute in San Jose's last three matches, Benjamin Kikanovic may be given a starting place, which could result in Cade Cowell dropping to the bench.
As for the visitors, they have a near fully-fit squad to choose from, with Matt Hedges the only known injury absentee.
Following the 2-1 win over Los Angeles FC, Nico Estevez could name an unchanged lineup for Saturday's contest.
Ferreira took his tally for the season to 18 goals with a brace last weekend, and the forward will be looking to add to his tally when he leads the line against San Jose.
San Jose Earthquakes possible starting lineup:
Marcinkowski; Marie, Rodrigues, Nathan, Beason; Yueill, Remedi, Monteiro; Espinoza, Kikanovic, Ebobisse
Dallas possible starting lineup:
Paes; Twumasi, Tafari, Martinez, Farfan; Lletget, Cerillo, Pomykal; Obrian, Arriola, Ferreira
We say: San Jose Earthquakes 1-2 Dallas
After losing three of their last four matches, we think that San Jose will fail to take anything from Saturday's meeting with a Dallas side, who are looking for a third consecutive victory.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
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