The San Jose Earthquakes and Houston Dynamo face off on Sunday night in the same conference, sitting on the same points with kickoff at 4:30 am.
After failing to win any of their opening seven fixtures in the MLS this campaign, San Jose Earthquakes named Alex Covelo as interim coach in hope that he could turn their fortunes around.
Three months later, Covelo is still in his role and has guided the Earthquakes to five wins and four draws from 12 league encounters. Still sitting in 12th position, there is still much work ahead for San Jose as they battle to earn a spot in the top seven.
As well as being just five points adrift of that position, they have a game in hand while they are also looking to build on a three-match unbeaten run.
Last time out, the Houston Dynamo defeated Los Angeles Galaxy 3-2, although it is worth noting that they almost blew a three-goal half-time lead. The Earthquakes have not won in four matches and are on a three-match losing streak. Their most recent defeat came at leaders Austin earlier this week, where they had initially held the lead before losing by a 3-1 scoreline.
San Jose vs Houston Dynamo Head to Head
Both sides have 28 games against each other with hosts taking 9 wins while visitors with 15 wins. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- LA Galaxy 2-3 San Jose
- Toronto 2-2 San Jose
- San Jose 2-1 Chicago Fire
- Real Salt Lake 2-0 San Jose
Away
- Austin FC 3-1 Houston Dynamo
- Houston Dynamo 2-2 FC Dallas
- Dynamo 1-2 Charlotte FC
- Portland Timbers 2-1 Dynamo
San Jose Team News
Covelo may select the same Earthquakes XI which started the fixture at LA Galaxy. If an alteration is to be made, Jan Gregus could be brought into the team in the centre of the pitch. A transfer from Atletico Madrid, Herrera has been given two substitute roles since his switch and could now be provided with a first start.
Dynamo Team News
Darwin Ceren is likely to be dropped from the starting lineup to accommodate Mexico international Guillermo Ochoa. Further forward, Darwin Quintero could be restored to the team, taking Fafa Picault’s spot on the right flank.
Prediction and Odds
Houston will be confident in their ability to earn maximum points, but we feel that the Earthquakes will continue their recent run of form with a victory of their own.
- Home Win
- Goals Over 2.5
- Both Teams to Score
