The reigning Canadian champions, Vancouver Whitecaps, have also been the MLS's unexpected strongest side this season, and they can solidify their top position in the Western Conference by beating second-placed San Diego on Wednesday.
June has not been kind to Vancouver, as the Whitecaps lost two of their last three matches. First, a heavy beating at Cruz Azul in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, then an unexpected 2-1 away at Columbus Crew last week. And while Vancouver have a game in hand, losing to San Diego will put them behind for at least a little while.
The Azules have been the only team in the Western Conference to trail Vancouver near the top and are also coming off of back-to-back wins over 3rd-placed Minnesota United and 7th-placed Austin FC. For a two-year-old team that's playing it's inaugural season in the MLS, Austin have been spectacular.
How the bookies view it: Home advantage is key
Bookmakers named Vancouver the betting favourites ahead of this match, although the difference is not that significant. You can pick the hosts at 23/20, the draw at 5/2, or San Diego at 9/4.
Recent head to head: The beginning of a new rivalry
As this happens to be San Diego's debut season in Major League Soccer, these teams have never met before. And this first clash couldn't have happened at a better time, as the winner will end the round at the top of the table.
Players to watch: Dreyer can't be stopped
One can never go wrong with picking Brian White, as the 29-year-old had a phenomenal start to the season. But despite his 10 goals in 12 rounds, he did not play a lot of minutes in recent weeks, so we have an alternative pick – Anders Dreyer. San Diego paid €5.5 million for the Belgian striker, and he's shaping up to be the best signing in the team's short history. Dreyer has eight goals and eight assists in 18 appearances in the MLS, including a brace and an assist in the previous round against Minnesota. He also contributed to two goals for Denmark in the recent international break.
Probable line-ups
Vancouver: Takaoka, Laborda, Veselinovic, Blackmon, Utvik, Ocampo, Vite, Priso-Mbongue, Cubas, Ngando, Rios
San Diego: Santos, Verhoeven, McVey, Pilcher, Bombino, Ingvartsen, Alvarado Jr., Tverskov, Dreyer, Valakari, Mighten
Anything else catch the eye?
There are several facts to consider ahead of this clash. Firstly, San Diego are in better form than Vancouver, who have been inconsistent of late. But then most of their questionable performances were away from home, while they only lost once at home in their last 10 home matches. On the other end, San Diego have not been great away from home, with four defeats in eight rounds.
Moreover, San Diego will have to manage without a bunch of their usual starters. Anibal Godoy and Luca de la Torre are away on international duty, while Hirving Lozano and Paddy McNair are not yet back from their injuries. With this said, we have to back the hosts to a narrow victory, which should feature goals on both ends. Six of San Diego's away games this season featured at least three goals, so we anticipate at least a 2-1 home win.
Vancouver vs San Diego Betting Tips & Predictions
Further Reading
- Colorado Rapids vs LA Galaxy Prediction and Betting Tips
- Minnesota United vs Houston Dynamo Prediction and Betting Tips
- Columbus Crew vs Atlanta United Prediction and Betting Tips
- New England Revolution vs Nashville Prediction and Betting Tips
- Toronto FC vs New York Red Bulls Prediction and Betting Tips
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