San Jose Earthquakes vs Seattle Sounders: Betting Odds & Prediction

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Written by: Bradley Walker

The Western Conference's lowest ranked sides look to kickstart their season as the San Jose Earthquakes host Seattle Sounders this weekend. 

Kick-off is set for 2:30am UK time at PayPal Park.

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San Jose Earthquakes

The home side head into the match yet to pickup a point, having lost all four of their league matches so far. They most recently suffered a 2-1 defeat on the road to Sporting Kansas City. 

San Jose have scored just three goals in their opening four, conceding nine in the process to leave them rock bottom in the MLS' Western Conference.

An expected goal (xG) tally of 1.36 has led to an average of just 0.75 goals per game so far. They have also suffered defensively; despite averaging an expected goals against (xGA) of 1.38, they've shipped an average of 2.25 per game and are yet to keep a clean sheet. 

Their games have averaged a total of three goals so far, with the Earthquakes having conceded at least two goals in every game. 

Seattle Sounders

Brian Schmetzer's side head to PayPal Park just two points above their opponents, finding themselves 13th in the Western Conference after three matches. They have rebounded from an opening day defeat with two consecutive draws, though; 0-0 at home to Austin FC before drawing 1-1 to Colorado Rapids in front of their home fans last time out. 

Seattle were reduced to ten with half an hour remaining in the latter, before conceding an 87th minute equaliser to deny them their first win of the season. 

They've only played away once so far - a 2-1 loss to Los Angeles FC on the opening weekend - and recorded an impressive 1.65 xG, compared to the 1.52 they've averaged in their two home games so far. They were also more susceptible at the back in California, though, averaging an xGA of 1.70 compared to only 1.17 on home turf. 

Their main struggles have been in the final third, with Seattle averaging just 0.67 goals in their opening three matches. 11.33 average shots a game has been hampered by a lowly 6% conversion rate, with Schmetzer's team still yet to score more than one goal in a league match. 

Prediction

A visit to San Jose might prove the perfect match for Seattle to discover their goalscoring form. The hosts have made habit of conceding on regular occasion this year, whilst also experiencing their own difficulties in finding the net. 

While Seattle's start has been far from convincing, they were minutes away from a first win of the season last time out, and I expect them to get over the line this weekend with a win in California. 

OddsNow's Pick: Seattle Sounders to win (9/5 @ BetUK); Over 2.5 goals scored (43/40 @ bet365)

 

 

 

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