Vancouver Whitecaps and San Jose Earthquakes meet for the third time this year on Saturday night in a crucial Western Conference fixture in the MLS.The two sides are vying for a playoff spot and with just a few games remaining before the single-elimination playoffs kickoff in November, every game has a significance for Vancouver and Earthquakes, who are placed eighth and seventh respectively in the Western Conference standings.Vancouver Whitecaps vs San Jose Earthquakes Head-to-HeadSince their first meeting in 2011, Vancouver Whitecaps and San Jose Earthquakes have locked horns on 26 occasions. The head-to-head record is evenly balanced, with as many as nine games ending in a stalemate.Whitecaps have nine wins to their name while Quakes have recorded eight wins and are on a four-game winning streak against their opponents dating back to July 2019.Vancouver Whitecaps form guide: L-W-W-L-LSan Jose Earthquakes form guide: D-W-L-W-WAlso See: Nashville SC vs New England Revolution prediction, preview, team news and more | MLS 2020Vancouver Whitecaps vs San Jose Earthquakes Team NewsVancouver Whitecaps are set to be without Maxime Crepeau and Thomas Hasal for the home game due to long-term injuries. Cristian Gutierrez is a doubt for the game and as per reports, has not been medically cleared and faces a late fitness test.Evan Bush made a top class save, then he hit the 🔁 button#VWFC | @ebushel1 | @remaxwesterncan pic.twitter.com/4Lh9l1CQ52— Vancouver Whitecaps FC (@WhitecapsFC) October 19, 2020Injuries: Maxime Crepeau (fractured thumb), Thomas Hasal (shin)Doubtful: Cristian GutierrezSuspensions: NoneSan Jose Earthquakes will only be without Danny Hoesen in their trip to Portland, where Vancouver have set up base for the season due to travel restrictions.The internationals are back 🇵🇪🇬🇪 pic.twitter.com/cDYDTIwBbz— San Jose Earthquakes (@SJEarthquakes) October 22, 2020There are no fresh injury or suspension concerns for manager Matías Almeyda.Injuries: Danny Hoesen (thigh)Doubtful: NoneSuspensions: NoneVancouver Whitecaps vs San Jose Earthquakes Predicted XIVancouver Whitecaps predicted XI (4-4-2): Evan Bush; Ali Adnan, Andy Rose, Ranko Veselinović, Erik Godoy; Leonard Owusu, Cristian Dajome, Michael Baldisimo, Russell Teibert; Lucas Cavallini, Fredy MonteroSan Jose Earthquakes predicted XI (4-2-3-1): JT Marcinkowski; Nick Lima, Oswaldo Alanis, Florian Jungwirth, Tommy Thompson; Jackson Yueill, Judson Tavares; Chris Wondolowski, Carlos Fierro, Cristian Espinoza; Andrés RíosVancouver Whitecaps vs San Jose Earthquakes PredictionVancouver Whitecaps and San Jose Earthquakes played out a seven-goal thriller when these sides met in July and Quakes inflicted a 3-0 loss on the Whitecaps in their latest meeting earlier this month. So, as far as current form goes, it seems as though San Jose Earthquakes are in for another win on Saturday night.Prediction: Vancouver Whitecaps 1-3 San Jose Earthquakes