Preview: Austin FC vs San Jose Earthquakes - prediction, team news, lineups

Austin FC return to Q2 Stadium on Saturday night for what promises to be another tense Western Conference clash against San Jose Earthquakes.

Both sides are still hunting consistency as the playoff picture sharpens, and history suggests there may be little to separate them when the dust settles in Texas.

Match preview

Josh Wolff’s side have long prided themselves on making Q2 Stadium a fortress, and the numbers underline that strength.

The Verde have avoided defeat in 25 of their last 31 league outings at home, with seven draws in their most recent 14 MLS fixtures at the venue pointing to a pattern of resilience mixed with frustration.

Indeed, each of their last three home matches has ended level, Austin averaging a goal scored and conceded per game during that run while controlling possession at nearly 57%.

The broader league form tells a similar story. Across their last six matches, Austin have posted two victories, three draws and a single defeat.

It is a record that speaks to stubbornness but also a tendency to drop points, with half of their last eight matches finishing in stalemates.

The inability to turn dominance into wins has cost Wolff’s men ground in the table, yet their defensive organisation ensures they remain a difficult nut to crack for visiting teams.

For San Jose, the picture has been less steady. The Earthquakes have taken two wins, one draw and three losses from their last six league games, conceding at a rate of 1.83 goals per match while scoring 1.67.

Defensive frailties have been exposed too often, and their inability to stem the flow of goals has limited their capacity to build momentum.

Their away form in particular is a concern: they have been beaten in over half of their last 15 trips and are without a win in eight of their last 10 away fixtures in all competitions.

Mikey Varas’s men have, however, remained lively in the attacking third, with 52 goals scored this season from 28 games. That attacking edge has kept them competitive despite a leaky backline, and it means they rarely go quietly even when under pressure.

Still, with half of their last eight league outings ending in defeat, the Quakes need a response to avoid slipping further behind in the playoff race.

Austin FC Major League Soccer form:

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San Jose Earthquakes Major League Soccer form:

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Team News

Austin continue to manage without Brandon Vazquez, who remains sidelined with a knee problem.

Daniel Pereira, however, is available again after serving a suspension for yellow card accumulation against Montreal.

With a settled core and minimal rotation, Wolff is expected to keep faith with a 4-4-2 structure that provides balance through midfield while allowing pace in wide areas.

For San Jose, Noel Buck will miss out due to a leg injury, leaving Varas with largely the same options that featured against San Diego.

Mark-Anthony Kaye dropped to the bench last time out, replaced by Ian Harkes, and there may be further adjustments in midfield to tighten up defensively.

Josef Martinez, who has scored in three consecutive league fixtures, is set to lead the line again, supported by Cristian Espinoza and Cristian Arango in a fluid attacking trio.

Austin FC possible starting lineup:

Stuver; Desler, Svatok, Hines-Ike, Biro; Sanchez, Sabovic; Obrian, Rubio, Wolff; Uzuni

San Jose Earthquakes possible starting lineup:

Daniel; Munie, Wilson, Romney; Jones, Kaye, Leroux, Costa; Espinoza, Martinez, Arango

We say: Austin FC 2-2 San Jose Earthquakes

Austin’s habit of sharing the spoils at home collides with a San Jose outfit that have struggled to find their edge on the road. The Earthquakes’ defensive lapses should offer chances for the hosts, but Martínez’s recent scoring run means the visitors carry enough threat to hit back.

Given recent trends and head-to-head history in Texas, another draw feels the most likely outcome. Expect goals on both sides, with neither quite able to land the decisive punch.

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