Los Angeles FC vs Vancouver Whitecaps
, KO: 01:00 Jul 31, 2024, BMO Stadium
LOS ANGELES will be looking to build on their opening Group J victory as they welcome Vancouver Whitecaps for a Leagues Cup clash on Wednesday. Vancouver often struggle in this fixture and should once again find things difficult against a confident Los Angeles side.
Los Angeles were in rampant mood last time out as they eased to a 3-0 victory over Tijuana. They were comfortable throughout the encounter with Cristian Olivera netting a brace while Denis Bouanga was also on target.
That was the second straight 3-0 victory for Los Angeles, who also eased past Seattle Sounders in their last MLS fixture. Steven Cherundolo’s men have now lost just once in their last 17 matches across all competitions, claiming 14 wins in that run.
Vancouver Whitecaps have also shown some quality lately as they head into their Leagues Cup opening fixture with just one defeat in their last seven matches. However, that defeat came in their previous fixture as they lost 4-3 at home to Houston Dynamo in their last MLS fixture.
Despite that defeat, Vancouver Whitecaps will still head to BMO Stadium with some confidence having impressed on their recent travels. Vanni Sartini’s men are unbeaten in their last four away matches, claiming three wins in that run.
How the bookies view it: Los Angeles to prevail
Los Angeles have been installed as overwhelming favourites among the bookies and are priced at 4/7 by Betfred. A victory for Vancouver Whitecaps is valued at 7/2 while Betfred is also offering 3/1 for a draw.
Head to head: Los Angeles on top
Los Angeles have a 10-5 advantage with five draws from 20 previous matches against Vancouver Whitecaps. Los Angeles have also won the last three meetings and triumphed 3-0 in an MLS fixture back in May.
Players to watch: Chanot to stand firm
Los Angeles have found some defensive solidity in recent weeks, keeping clean sheets in their last two matches. Maxime Chanot has impressed at the heart of the defence and can lead the hosts to a clean sheet at 9/5 by Betfred.
Things have also been good for Los Angeles at the other end of the pitch with Denis Bouanga and Mateusz Bogusz looking sharp. Both men have 16 and 13 MLS goals this season and could ensure the hosts score first at 1/2 by Betfred.
Probable line-ups
Mateusz Bogusz came on at halftime for Los Angeles against Tijuana and could play from the start on Wednesday. Denis Bouanga should continue in attack while Cristian Olivera should retain his place in the team following his brace.
Ryan Gauld went off in the first half against Houston Dynamo and is a doubt for Wednesday’s clash. Ryan Raposo and Alessandro Schopf are pushing for a start after coming off the bench last time out.
Los Angeles: Lloris, Long, Chanot, Murillo, Campos, Segura, Sanchez, Palencia, Bogusz, Bouanga, Olivera
Vancouver Whitecaps: Takaoka, Luis Martins, Veselinovic, Utvik, Ahmed, Cubas, Vite, Schopf, Raposo, Picault, White
Anything else catch the eye?
Los Angeles have won to nil in their last two matches against Vancouver Whitecaps and a repeat at 11/4 by Betfred. Having scored three goals in each of their last two matches, the hosts could be backed in the -1 handicap market at 8/5 with Betfred.
Having scored in both halves in their last two matches, Los Angeles could be set for a similar pattern at 23/20 with Betfred.
This match between Los Angeles FC and Vancouver Whitecaps will be played on Jul 31, 2024 and kick off at 01:00. Check below for our tipsters best Los Angeles FC vs Vancouver Whitecaps prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
