Austin FC face San Jose Earthquakes at Q2 Stadium, Austin on Sunday, Sep 6 at 2:30 AM in a basement battle that neither side can afford to lose. Both clubs are deep in the relegation picture in the MLS, and defeat here could prove costly come the end of the season.

Austin FC come into this fixture struggling badly (1W 3L in last 5). San Jose Earthquakes, meanwhile, arrive out of form (1W 2L recently) — actually the better-performing side in recent weeks. Austin FC head into this on the back of a defeat, while San Jose Earthquakes arrive off a win — momentum clearly with the visitors.

Head-to-head records offer little separation — Austin FC and San Jose Earthquakes have split their 10 meetings almost evenly (2W–6D–2W). Their last encounter ended in Austin FC won 1–5. These two tend to produce goals — averaging 3.8 per game in recent meetings.

Verdict: Little separates these two on form or history. Home advantage could be the deciding factor — a narrow Austin FC win or a draw looks most likely.