San Jose Earthquakes vs Whitecaps Predictions & Betting Tips, Match Previews

San Jose Earthquakes know that nothing less than a win will do in this clash, and even that might not be enough. They come into the final two games of the season down in 8th position in the MLS Western Conference, six points adrift of 6th placed Sporting Kansas City and on the verge of missing out on the playoffs again. Their final match of the season is against Sporting Kansas City as well, so a win for them here and a loss for the 6th place side could set up an enthralling final day match up.

A win in both games does seem unlikely at the moment though. Their 2-1 loss to Colorado Rapids on Thursday night made it five defeats, three draws, and just one win in their last nine matches in the MLS. At home they have only managed two wins from their last ten MLS games, with five draws making up the bulk of the other results.

San Jose Earthquakes have only managed to score eight goals in their last ten home games as well, which is where the majority of their problems lie. Their top scorer at the Avaya Stadium is Chris Wondolowski, and he only has five goals in his 14 appearances. The hosts’ lack of standout performers going forward has been the root cause of their failures this season, because their defensive minded players are actually performing rather well.

This isn’t good news for the visiting Whitecaps. They have failed to score in seven of their last eight away days in the MLS and their second highest scorer on the road – Kekuta Manneh – is out injured at the moment. They will be relying on midfielders Pedro Morales and Christian Botanos for their attacking threat, but with the hosts only conceding nine in their last ten at home and Whitecaps out of form on the road I don’t fancy their chances either.

This awful attacking form on the road has resulted in Whitecaps losing five of their last eight away days, and their CONCACAF Champions League campaign hasn’t helped proceedings either. They are already out of the race for the playoffs as well, so Whitecaps are coming into this game with only pride to play for.

A lack of motivation isn’t likely to help the disappointed Whitecaps, and with San Jose Earthquakes still in the hunt for something I expect them to remain defensively sound. Backing a San Jose Earthquakes Clean Sheet at 6/4 looks very good value to me, and I’m going for that along with a 1-0 correct score prediction at 6/1.