San Jose Earthquakes Vs Los Angeles Galaxy: Head To Head Preview

On Form

San Jose: Finally the Earthquakes played a weaker team and won -- and on its home turf at Buck Shaw Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif. We all know the Quakes have the ability to win games, but it’s been in question whether they can put several strong matches in a row to make headway into a potential playoff spot. They seemed to be on their way with its 1-0 win over Kansas City last week.

Los Angeles: Star midfielder Landon Donovan once said that the defense was the staple of LA's games. And last week it once again became apparent when they shutout the New York Red Bulls. A major contributor to LA's victory's in the past has come from a strong start with a early goal. And at Red Bull Arena, they did just that. 

Off Target

San Jose: If anything, the Quakes are showing to their players and fans they are gunning for the postseason. (If they do get there, it’ll be their first playoff berth in the three years since the reincarnation of the club.) On Monday, the Earthquakes signed Brazilian Geovanni as its first designated player signing. With the recent additions of Khari Stephenson and Tim Ward -- as well as Sam Cronin nearly two months ago -- they are positioning themselves for a strong push.

Los Angeles: The attacks are there, but not like the days of yore. Though they won last week, the LA club only managed to get seven shots in with four on net. In order to be a completely dominant squad they need to start peppering in the shots into the double figures. The defense seems to be back, now its time to tune up the attack. 

Tactics

San Jose: Since the signing of Geovanni, the thought is that he will be either an attacking midfielder or striker. With Stephenson’s solid performance as the attacking midfield against KC last weekend, it should be expected that coach Frank Yallop sticks with that, and adds Geovanni as the second striker up top -- still utilizing the traditional 4-4-2 formation.

Intangibles

San Jose: Two things worth noting. One -- Jon Busch now really doesn’t have to worry if he’ll be replaced by the Quakes backup. It is his goal to defend for the rest of 2010 after Joe Cannon revealed he broke his ankle on Tuesday. Two -- San Jose knows it can beat the Galaxy. If not for a soft goal by Landon Donovan in the waning minutes in the previous meeting at The Home Depot Center on July 22, the Quakes would have escaped with a 2-1 win, instead of the draw it ended up with. So, expect the Quakes to play with the grit of a team looking for payback.

Los Angeles: It's round two of the California Clasico. Their last meeting ended in a two-all draw at the Home Depot Center. San Jose's defensive line took a major blow with the suspension of defender Jason Hernandez, but fortunately for them will look to strengthen their midfield with the recent acquisition of Geovanni. Meanwhile, the Galaxy will look to use last weeks win as momentum and over Buck Shaw Arena.

Prediction

San Jose: Last time around, the Quakes played a near-perfect game against L.A. before flaking out in its next match. This time, its 1-0 win over KC was a good warm-up for a tough match against the league leaders. It should be as close as the first meeting. San Jose 1 - 1 Los Angeles.

Los Angeles: This is the true test for the Galaxy. Was last week just a fluke win? Have they gotten their slump them? This match will tell it all and confirm that LA has gotten past their downward spiral. LA trumps San Jose 2-1.