Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves
Best Odds: 8/11
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
Making a return to MLS action in the early hours of Monday, Los Angeles will welcome Vancouver to the BMO Stadium.
Los Angeles FC
Starting with the hosts, while Los Angeles might have got their Club World Cup adventure underway a fortnight ago with the mood in their camp at a red-hot high, Steve Cherundolo’s men endured a public struggle. Mustering just a single point from any of their three group stage appearances, the Black and Gold have come under some serious scrutiny. Despite being last seen in MLS action claiming a routine 3-1 victory against Sporting KC, Monday’s hosts have drastically failed to find any kind of fluidity. Now holding just a three-point buffer from slipping out of the play-off places, Los Angeles have claimed just a sole win from any of their last seven appearances across all competitions within 90 minutes. Likewise, showing some extended defensive issues, Cherundolo’s side have registered just a pair of clean sheets since the start of April.
Los Angeles FC Team News
With it announced over the weekend the Olivier Giroud is set to make a return to his homeland, the former Chelsea striker will not play any part in the early hours of Monday. While Celtic loanee Odin Thiago Holm might have recently returned from a muscle issue, the 22-year-old will settle for a spot on the bench.
Notching 10 goals in his previous 13 appearances across all competitions, Gabon international Denis Bouanga will play a leading role in the final third. Former Fluminense star Marlon will partner Eddie Segura at the heart of Cherundolo’s defence.
Vancouver Whitecaps
As for the visitors, putting in what was a worrying performance on home soil last time out as they eventually fell to an action-packed 5-3 defeat against San Diego, Vancouver find themselves in the midst of a recent wobble. Despite opening Monday’s showdown scrapping it out at the foot of the Western Conference standings, Jesper Sorensen’s side are seeking a welcomed boost. Suffering Champions Cup heartbreak on June 2nd as they slumped to a 5-0 drumming at the hands of Cruz Azul, Monday’s guests have lost three of their previous four appearances across all competitions. Likewise, last seen on their travels getting it with a 2-1 loss against Columbus, the former Brondby boss will have a major headache over his side’s extended defensive issues. Shipping 12 goals in their four consecutive outings, Vancouver are desperate to get their title charge back on track.
Vancouver Whitecaps Team News
Still dealing with a long-term knee injury, Vancouver will once again be without Scotland international Ryan Gauld in the early hours of Monday. However, featuring for the USA this month, Sebastian Berhalter will return to Sorensen’s travelling squad here.
While Mexican marksman Daniel Rios might have notched just a single MLS strike since the end of March, the ex-Atlanta striker should keep his spot leading the line. Former Los Angeles star Tristan Blackmon will start at the heart of Vancouver’s defence.
Los Angeles FC vs Vancouver Whitecaps Key Factors to Consider
- When Los Angeles and Vancouver last met back on May 12th, Monday’s opponents played out a thrilling 2-2 stalemate at BC Place.
- LAFC have claimed just a sole win from any of their last seven appearances across all competitions within 90 minutes.
- Vancouver have shipped 12 goals in their previous four appearances across all formats.
- Gabon international Denis Bouanga has registered 10 goals in his previous 13 appearances across all competitions.
- Four of the last six meetings between Los Angeles and Vancouver have finished with both teams finding the net.
Conclusion
Watching their Club World Cup adventure come to an end with a real whimper, Los Angeles have the feel of a squad desperately seeking a much-welcomed boost. Coming under plenty of recent scrutiny, Monday’s hosts are simply looking to get their campaign back on track. However, playing out a thrilling 2-2 stalemate when they last met Vancouver back on May 12th, we could be treated to an enjoyable MLS showdown here. With the Whitecaps shipping 12 goals in their last four matchups across all competitions, chances could come thick and fast.
Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves
Best Odds: 8/11
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
