Vancouver Whitecaps vs Los Angeles FC Prediction & Betting Tips - Major League Soccer

Prediction published on 03/11/2023, 15:54  by Joseph King | Modified on 03/11/2023 at 15:57 in Major League Soccer Predictions

The MLS Cup Playoffs continue with game two of this Western Conference first-round matchup between Vancouver and defending champions LAFC. The Los Angeles based club’s 5-2 win in game one of this best-of-three series means they can close things out with another victory here. There is no aggregate score in the new format of the MLS Cup Playoffs, meaning a win for Vancouver by whatever scoreline would push this series to a winner-take-all game three. The winner of this tie will go on to face either Seattle or Dallas in the conference semi-finals.

Vancouver certainly aren’t in the ideal form to be facing a ‘win or go home’ situation. The Whitecaps have now registered just a single win in their last eight MLS fixtures. The 5-2 loss in game one snapped a five match unbeaten run, although four of those encounters resulted in draws. On the positive side, Vancouver have been much improved when playing at BC Place this season. The hosts have managed a record of eight wins, six draws and only three defeats when playing on home soil in the 2023 MLS regular season. They’re currently on a three-match unbeaten streak at home with a victory and two draws during that time.

A potential game three would take place in LA, but the defending champs will of course want to get this series wrapped up as fast as possible. LAFC ended the season on a positive note with three wins and a draw from their final four fixtures. However, they couldn’t regain the second-seed from Seattle as they finished third in the West. Los Angeles struggled all season with their away form as they managed just four wins in 17 road league fixtures. These two actually faced off in the final MLS regular season match at this ground in a game that finished 1-1.