Minnesota United's journey to securing a place in the Major League Soccer Western Conference playoffs will continue on Sunday when they travel to face San Jose Earthquakes.
The hosts are currently at the foot of the table, but they could lift themselves out of that position with three points at the weekend in the penultimate game of the season.
Match preview
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San Jose Earthquakes have had a difficult campaign this time around, managing just seven victories across their 32 MLS performances so far.
It is a run that has led to the Goonies being bottom of the Western Conference, which they will no doubt want to change in the final two games of the season.
That fight begins on Sunday, where a victory could see them climb above Houston Dynamo, who currently sit just two points above them.
Yet on the flipside a defeat against Minnesota could secure their place for this particular campaign if Houston end up winning their own match.
Alex Covelo will take some confidence from the fact his men have been much stronger at home this season, with six of their victories taking place at PayPal Park.
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Despite the fact that San Jose have enjoyed more success in front of their fans, the visitors have managed just as many wins on the road throughout the campaign.
Right now they have a lot more to play for as the season draws to a close, with Minnesota United currently occupying the final playoff position in the Western Conference.
There are only two points between them and Real Salt Lake right now, therefore there is plenty of pressure on the Loons to get a victory here.
Despite the fact that Minnesota are in the top seven, their current form has been concerning as they head into this match with a five-game run without a win.
Adrian Heath's squad were defeated 4-1 in their most recent fixture against Sporting Kansas City, which is something they will need to improve upon on Sunday.
Team News
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Cristian Espinoza has been a key man for San Jose this season, and he is sure to start on Sunday after finding the back of the net last weekend.
Carlos Akapo has been an injury concern for the Goonies as of late due to an issue with his right foot, while Jackson Yueill has also been on the sidelines after spraining his left foot, but he returned in their most recent outing, which was a welcome boost.
After a very poor performance last weekend, Heath could look to ring the changes for the Minnesota United squad to try and shake things up.
Bongokuhle Hlongwane is one player that the visitors have been without recently due to injury, and that is likely to be the case again this weekend.
San Jose Earthquakes possible starting lineup:
Marcinkowski; Thompson, Rodrigues, Nathan, Beason; Gregus, Yueill, Monteiro; Kikanovic, Ebobisse, Cowell
Minnesota United possible starting lineup:
Clair; Taylor, Boxall, Kallman, Lawrence; Arriaga, Trapp; Lod, Garcia, Reynoso; Amarilla
We say: San Jose Earthquakes 1-2 Minnesota United
With this being their final home game of the season there is no doubt that San Jose will be wanting to close things out with a victory in front of their fans.
However, the visitors are fighting to keep their campaign alive with a playoff finish, and that should be enough to push them through in this one.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
