LAFC vs Vancouver Whitecaps Prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds

It all boils down to the final fixture in the best of three games.

The reigning MLS Western Conference table-toppers Los Angeles FC (LAFC) are set to lock horns against Vancouver Whitecaps in the upcoming MLS Cup playoff fixture at the BMO Stadium in California, United States.

Los Angeles FC, the reigning leaders of the Western Conference in Major League Soccer, have been in magnificent form, securing four wins in their last five matches. They concluded the regular season with an impressive 19 victories from 34 matches. Despite being level on points with second-placed LA Galaxy, LAFC clinched the top spot due to their superior goal difference.

The team have continued their strong performances, defeating formidable opponents, including a win over Vancouver in the opening match of their best-of-three series. However, in their most recent encounter, Vancouver FC delivered a crushing blow to LAFC, winning 3-0. This defeat was particularly damaging, as two own goals from LAFC allowed Vancouver to take the match into the final game of the series.

In a do-or-die clash at BC Place in Vancouver, Vancouver FC delivered a stunning 3-0 defeat to LAFC, the Western Conference table-toppers. Faced with elimination, Vancouver started with intense pressure, taking an early lead when Ryan Gauld broke through LAFC’s defence to score within the first 10 minutes. The relentless attacks forced LAFC’s Ryan Hollingshead into an unfortunate error, scoring an own goal in the 13th minute.

Vancouver continued to dominate, amassing 17 shots, which kept LAFC on the back foot. Another defensive slip saw Edie Segura add a second own goal for LAFC, sealing a humiliating loss for the league leaders. This result has given Vancouver a significant morale boost as they head into the decisive final match of the best-of-three series.

Round 1. Match 3#LAFCvVAN | 🏟️ @BMOStadium | 🎟️https://t.co/4lmfeExFNq pic.twitter.com/ihqRrrRduc

— LAFC (@LAFC) November 7, 2024

KickOff:

Saturday, November 9, 2024 at 9:00 AM IST

Venue: BMO Stadium, Los Angeles, United States

Form:

Los Angeles FC (in all competitions): L-W-W-W-W

Vancouver Whitecaps (in all competitions): W-L-W-L-L

Players to watch out for:

Timothy Tillman (Los Angeles FC):

Timothy Justin Tillman, a versatile midfielder born in Nuremberg, Germany, started his football journey with Bayern Munich‘s reserve team before a loan spell at FC Nuremberg. In 2023, he joined Los Angeles FC, where he has since made 55 appearances and scored eight goals.

Tillman has represented both Germany and the United States at various levels, showcasing his adaptability on the international stage. A former member of Bayern Munich’s 2017 DFL Super Cup-winning squad, he recently celebrated winning the U.S. Open Cup in 2024 with Los Angeles FC, further solidifying his role as a valuable asset to the team.

Ryan Gauld (Vancouver Whitecaps):

Ryan Stewart Gauld, the Scottish attacking midfielder from Aberdeen, began his career at Dundee United before moving to clubs like Sporting CP in Portugal, Fiorentina, and Hibernian, eventually joining Vancouver Whitecaps in 2021. Since his arrival, Gauld has made over 100 appearances for the Whitecaps, scoring an impressive 33 goals.

The four-time Scotland international has become a crucial figure for the American side and, as captain, he will be keen to maintain his scoring momentum against Los Angeles FC in the upcoming fixture. Leading his team, Gauld aims to secure yet another crucial victory over their formidable opponents.

Match Facts:

• Vancouver Whitecaps won two games in their last five fixtures.
• LAFC won four of their last five matches.
• In their previous encounter, Vancouver emerged victorious by 3-0

Vancouver Whitecaps vs LAFC: Betting Tips and Odds:

• LAFC to win: 8/15 with bet365
• Oliver Giroud to score first – 9/2 with Paddy Power
• LAFC 1-0 Vancouver Whitecaps: 15/2 with William Hill

Injuries and Team News:

For LAFC, Lorenzo Dellavale and Jesus Murillo are set to miss the upcoming fixture

For Vancouver, there are no active injury concerns or suspension issues.

Head To Head stats:

Total matches: 22

Vancouver won: 07

LAFC won: 11

Draws: 04

Predicted Lineup:

LAFC predicted lineup (3-4-3)

Lloris (GK); Palencia, Chanot, Long; Olivera, Tillman, O’Brien, Hollingshead; Bogusz, Giroud, Bouanga

Vancouver Whitecaps predicted lineup (4-3-3):

Takaoka (GK); Laborda, Veselinovic, Blackmon, Adekugbe; Vite, Cubas, Armstrong; Ahmed, White, Gauld

Match Prediction:

Three of their last two encounters between these two sides resulted in LAFC emerging victorious over Vancouver by a scoreline of 2-1. In their most recent encounter a few days ago, Vancouver thrashed the reigning table toppers 3-0. However, we expect the California outfit to bounce back and clinch a narrow win in their home stadium.

Prediction: LAFC 1-0 Vancouver

Telecast Details:

MLS matches can be streamed across Apple TV.

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