LAFC predicted lineup vs San Jose Earthquakes: Leagues Cup 2024
- LAFC take on San Jose Earthquakes in the Leagues Cup Round of 16
- The MLS outfit claimed a 2-0 win over Austin FC in the Round of 32
- Steve Cherundolo is likely to be without midfielder Timothy Tillman
LAFC's Leagues Cup run continues as Steve Cherundolo's side takes on San Jose Earthquakes this week at BMO Stadium.
The 2022 MLS Cup champions managed to come away unscathed in the 2-0 victory over Austin FC in the Round of 32 with Cristian Olivera and Denis Bouanga propelling the Western Conference team to victory.
Cherundolo opted for the more defensive 3-4-3 setup that's worked in the past for his teams instead of the more forward-thinking 4-3-3. With Timothy Tillman still out with a leg injury, you can expect to see Cherundolo stick with the two-man central midfield setup for the time being.
Most notably, Olivier Giroud will be in the matchday squad. Cherundolo announced that the French striker will be available for his debut. If LAFC are comfortably cruising to the quarter-finals, Giroud could make his debut.
Here's how the Black and Gold could take the pitch vs San Jose.
LAFC predicted lineup vs San Jose Earthquakes ( 3-4-3 )
GK: Hugo Lloris - The veteran shot-stopper will look to keep his fourth straight clean sheet against San Jose.
CB: Jesus Murillo - Murillo locks down the right-hand side of the defense following a solid performance vs Austin.
CB: Maxime Chanot - The 34-year-old keeps his place in the center of the backline in between Murillo and Long.
CB: Aaron Long - Long is enjoying a good run of form and will look to keep that going against the Earthquakes.
RM: Ryan Hollingshead - After coming on as a substitute against Austin, Hollingshead makes a return to the XI at his preferred position.
CM: Eduard Atuesta - The Colombia international starts in the middle of the park alongside the veteran Sanchez.
CM: Ilie Sanchez - Cherundolo will look to rely on Sanchez once again as the steady hand in the midfield.
LM: Omar Campos - The former Santos Laguna player hopes to be involved in the attack playing just behind Bouanga against San Jose.
RW: Cristian Olivera - Olivera came off the bench and bagged the match-sealing goal vs Austin to secure his place in Cherundolo's XI.
ST: Mateusz Bogusz - Cherundolo could opt to utilize the Poland international up front and center due to his quality and versatility.
LW: Denis Bouanga - The reigning Golden Boot winner hopes to find the back of the net once again in a bid to lead LAFC to victory.