The MLS continues Sunday as Houston Dynamo host San Jose Earthquakes at the BBVA Compass Stadium, Texas. Houston Dynamo start the weekend in second place in the Western Conference on 34 points, just 3 points behind the leaders Sporting Kansas City. As things stand they are in line to qualify for the conference semi-finals by finishing in the top two.
However, such is the excitement surrounding the Western Conference this season, there are only 3 points separating second and seventh.
San Jose Earthquakes travel to Houston in sixth place but just 2 points off Houston Dynamo. A win in this match could propel San Jose Earthquakes up the table this weekend.
Houston Dynamo Form
Houston Dynamo come into this game on a 5-match unbeaten run and hope to continue their form by picking up maximum points.
Despite remaining unbeaten in their previous 5 MLS games, only 2 of those games have produced wins. There were victories over Montreal Impact at home and DC United away from home. Houston Dynamo scored 3 goals in each of those games.
However, considering their last 13 MLS games, Houston Dynamo have managed to pick up only 3 wins, which is incredible considering they sit second in the Western Conference. They have drawn 3 of their last 4 MLS matches.
At home, Houston Dynamo remain unbeaten in the MLS this season, winning 8 and drawing 3 of their 11 games.
San Jose Earthquakes Form
San Jose Earthquakes suffered heartbreak in the US Open Cup in midweek, losing out to Sporting Kansas City in the semi-final on penalties.
They must regroup and bounce back immediately in this game if they are to continue their challenge for a place in the playoffs come the end of the MLS season.
San Jose Earthquakes have won their last 2 MLS matches, both of which came at home against Colorado Rapids and Columbus Crew. Prior to those games, San Jose Earthquakes had been on a 3-match losing run, with defeats at Atlanta United, New York Red Bulls and Seattle Sounders.
Away form this season shows just 2 wins in the MLS from 11 games played. There has been 1 draw and 8 defeats, 50% of which have come in their last 4 games. San Jose Earthquakes have conceded 14 goals in their last 4 away MLS games.
Team News
Houston Dynamo are without defender George Malki and midfielder Eric Alexander who are both injured. They are expected to play in a 4-3-3 with Alberth Elis, Erick Torres and Romell Quioto in attack.
San Jose Earthquakes have several injury concerns with Harold Cummings, Marc Pelosi and Anibal Godoy all out. There are also doubts over Jahmir Hyka and Kip Colvey.
Top Betting Tips
Houston Dynamo have been excellent at home in the MLS this season and come up against a San Jose Earthquakes team who have struggled on the road. Ladbrokes offer 7/10 for the home win.
In 5 of their last 6 games at home, Houston Dynamo have seen over 2.5 goals. With San Jose Earthquakes also seeing over 2.5 goals in 4 of their last 6, including the last 3 in a row, the home win with over 2.5 goals looks a decent bet.
Houston Dynamo to win and over 2.5 goals is 13/8 with William Hill. Mexican striker Erick Torres was in great goal scoring form before the Gold Cup. He is Houston Dynamo’s top scorer and will be looking to get back amongst the goals in this game. Torres is 8/5 with Ladbrokes to score at any time.