Fresh from their FIFA Club World Cup exit, Los Angeles FC return to MLS action with a Western Conference clash against Vancouver Whitecaps. The hosts are aiming to pick up where they left off in the league and face a Vancouver side attempting to snap out of a recent slump.
Los Angeles are fresh off a disappointing campaign at the Club World Cup, where they picked up just one point from three matches, that point came in their final fixture as they played out a 1-1 draw with Flamengo after beginning with two straight defeats.
Prior to the global tournament, Los Angeles had been on a six-match unbeaten run in the MLS, earning a 3-1 victory over Sporting Kansas in their previous fixture. Steven Cherundulo's men are also unbeaten in their last seven home matches in the league, claiming six wins in that run.
Vancouver Whitecaps have lost top spot in the Western Conference after failing to win in four of their last five matches across all competitions. Jesper Sorensen's men are now four points off the pace and were beaten 5-3 at home by San Diego in their previous league fixture.
Things are worse on the road for Vancouver Whitecaps, who have lost their last two away matches. A vulnerable defence has been one of the problems for the Whitecaps, highlighted by that defeat to San Diego, while a 5-0 thrashing at Cruz Azul is also among their recent away results.
How the bookies view it: Los Angeles backed as favourites
The bookies have installed Los Angeles as overwhelming favourites, with a home win priced at 8/11 by BoyleSports. A victory for Vancouver Whitecaps is valued at 16/5 while a draw is set at odds of 5/2.
Head to head: Superior Los Angeles
There have been 25 previous matches between both teams, with Los Angeles claiming 13 wins while Vancouver Whitecaps have six victories. Six of those matches have ended in draws, including a 2-2 scoreline in the reverse fixture in May.
Players to watch: Eyes on Bouanga
Denis Bouanga was on target for Los Angeles in the draw with Flamengo and also has eight MLS goals this season. He will be the one to watch and is priced at evens by BoyleSports to score anytime.
Vancouver Whitecaps are still without leading scorer Brian White and will look to Pedro Vite to provide the spark in attack. The forward has four MLS goals this season and could be worth keeping an eye on to find the net (Anytime Goalscorer valued at 4/1).
Probable lineups:
Cengiz Under and Nathan Ordaz remain sidelined with injury and will miss out for Los Angeles. Olivier Giroud could earn a start after coming off the bench against Flamengo while Bouanga should retain his place in the team.
Vancouver Whitecaps are without White, who remains on international duty at the CONCACAF Gold Cup while Ryan Gauld and Ahmed Ali are sidelined with injury. Daniel Rios should lead the line, with Vite providing support.
Los Angeles FC: Lloris, Segura, Marlon, Long, Hollingshead, Igor Jesus, Delgado, Palencia, Dilrosoun Bouanga, Giroud
Vancouver Whitecaps: Takaoka, Johnson, Veselinovic, Blackmon, Ocampo, Badwal, Priso-Mbongue, Cubas, Sabhi, Vite, Rios
Anything else catch the eye?
Both teams have scored in four of the last six matches between Los Angeles and Vancouver Whitecaps (BTTS YES at 8/13 with BoyleSports). The reverse fixture produced over 2.5 goals while Vancouver Whitecaps’ last 4 matches have produced a similar outcome (Over 2.5 goals available at 7/10).
Three of Vancouver Whitecaps' last four matches have produced over 1.5 first half goals (First Half Over 1.5 goals – 6/4).
Los Angeles FC vs Vancouver Whitecaps Betting Tips & Predictions
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