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

The visitors have the one-goal advantage.

Vancouver Whitecaps are all set to host Saprissa in the CONCACAF Champions Cup 2025 first-round second-leg fixture. Whitecaps fell prey in the first leg which will keep them at a disadvantage going into the second leg. Saprissa were the better side and now will look to use the advantage of a goal.

Vancouver Whitecaps despite having most of the ball had a slightly loose attack. They took the lead even after being away from home. But later failed to defend well and gave away the lead in the second half resulting in a one-goal disadvantage for them by the final whistle. They will have to work hard as a team which might help them.

Deportivo Saprissa have an advantage at their end. They will still be under some pressure as they will be playing away from home. Mariano Torres scored a leveller in the second half. Later, Ariel Rodriguez scored the late match-winner for Saprissa. They will have to defend well and also come up with a goal or two to increase the advantage.

Kick-off:

• Location: Vancouver, Canada
• Stadium: BC Place
• Date: Friday, February 28
• Kick-off Time: 08:30 IST/ 03:00 GMT / Thursday, February 27: 22:00 ET/ 19:00 PT
• Referee: Adonai Escobedo Gonzalez
• VAR: In use

Form:

Vancouver Whitecaps: W-L-W-L-W

Saprissa: D-D-L-W-W

Players to Watch

Ryan Gauld (Vancouver Whitecaps)

In the first leg, Ryan Gauld put the Vancouver Whitecaps in the lead and was the only goal scorer for his team. The Scottish midfielder also scored a goal for Whitecaps in their opening MLS 2025 game. He is going to play a vital role in the midfield as well as in the final third.

Mariano Torres (Saprissa)

The Argentine midfielder equalised for Saprissa in the first leg which later helped end with an advantage. The 37-year-old will surely be part of Saprissa for the second leg as well. They have a clear chance here to get to the next stage of the tournament and with Torres’ experience they can make their chances higher.

Match Facts

• Vancouver Whitecaps won their MLS 2025 opening match against Portland by 4-1.
• They have won three of their last five matches across all competitions.
• Saprissa are on a two-match winning run.

Vancouver Whitecaps vs Saprissa: Betting Tips and Odds

• Vancouver Whitecaps to win
• Goals over 3.5
• Ryan Gauld to score

Injury and Team News

Vancouver Whitecaps will be without the services of Damir Kreilach and Emmanuel Sabbi as they are injured. Ngando will also be out of action due to personal reasons.

Saprissa will have all of their players ready by their side for the second leg.

Head-to-Head

Total matches: 1

Vancouver Whitecaps won: 0

Saprissa won: 1

Draws: 0

Predicted Lineups

Vancouver Whitecaps predicted lineup (4-3-3)

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

Saprissa predicted lineup (5-3-2)

Alvarado (GK); Valverde, Anderson, Escobar, Davis, Mora; Torres, Acuna Murillo, Guzman; Waston, Merino

Match Prediction

Vancouver Whitecaps are likely to make a comeback against Saprissa which might seal their spot for the next stage of the CONCACAF Champions Cup 2025.

Prediction: Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 Saprissa

Telecast Details

USA: FS2, TUDN

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