San Jose Earthquakes will put their 100% record in MLS on the line when they play host to Minnesota United on Saturday night.
Meanwhile, the visitors head into this fixture on the back of their own victory, making this an intriguing encounter at PayPal Park between the top and seventh-placed sides in the Western Conference table.
Match preview
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On the back of what was ultimately a disastrous 2024 campaign, San Jose Earthquakes would have been eager to make a fast start to this season.
However, they would not have necessarily foreseen two consecutive victories which have also featured six goals, conceding just the one, to top the Western Conference table.
A 4-0 triumph was recorded against Real Salt Lake before they defied playing the final 38 minutes at Sporting Kansas City with 10 men to prevail by a 2-1 scoreline.
To put the back-to-back wins in perspective, the Earthquakes only emerged victorious from two of their final 12 games of the last campaign.
While Bruce Arena will want a regular goalscorer in his squad, he will also take encouragement from their opening six goals of the season being scored by different players.
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Meanwhile, Minnesota United had high hopes for a hot start to 2025 having reached the semi-finals of the MLS playoffs at the back end of last year.
Instead, Eric Ramsey witnessed his side suffer a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Los Angeles FC, putting them on the back foot from the start.
Nevertheless, the Loons were able to respond with a 1-0 triumph over Montreal last time out, Kelvin Yeboah netting the decisive goal midway through the second half.
That sets up a clash between two teams who will currently have ambitions to win the Western Conference title, yet Minnesota have conceded seven goals on their last two visits to teams from California.
Team News
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With Hernan Lopez serving a suspension for his red card against Sporting Kansas City, the Earthquakes will be forced into a change in midfield.
Mark Anthony-Kaye is expected to be chosen as a straight alternative which may prove to be the only change to the side.
Minnesota boss Ramsey also seems likely to keep alterations to a minimum on the back of the win over Montreal.
Will Trapp seems first in line to earn a recall if a change is made, but the likes of Joaquin Pereyra and Robin Lod should keep their spots in the engine room.
San Jose Earthquakes possible starting lineup:
Daniel; Rodrigues, Wilson, Romney; Espinoza, Leroux, Anthony-Kaye, Harkes, Ricketts; Martinez, Arango
Minnesota United possible starting lineup:
St. Clair; Hlongwane, Harvey, Boxall, Duggan, Markanich; Lod, Dotson, Pereyra; Oluwaseyi, Yeboah
We say: San Jose Earthquakes 2-1 Minnesota United
Given the manner of their opening two victories, San Jose Earthquakes are the clear favourites to win this contest. Although we are backing the visitors to cause them problems, the Earthquakes should still come through this contest with maximum points.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Darren Plant
