Vancouver Whitecaps are without Waston because of international duty but Kamara and de Jong are set to return from injuries. The loss of Waston may result in a switch to a 4 man defence, Aja and Maund the centre-back pairing. Teibert is pressing for a start in deep midfield, with Martins and Juarez playing further forward. Davies could be moved into an advanced role, supporting Kamara. The hosts are determined to get back to winning ways and are favourites on the Asian Handicap with the line set at -1. Vancouver Whitecaps have lost just 1 of their last 14 games at BC Place Stadium, giving the players a psychological boost. Their opponents have not won any of their last 10 away games and are contending with a long list of absentees. Hosts will be disappointed to drop points. Vancouver Whitecaps are an effective counter-attacking team, the pace out wide a major threat to opponents. Should the hosts score the opening goal expect them to drop deep and invite the visitors forward. Vancouver Whitecaps have the confidence to protect a lead and use a direct approach to cause problems. An opening goal for the visitors would force a change in approach, may go over 2.75 goals.
LA Galaxy are without a bunch of players, with Kamara on international duty, whilst Cole, G. dos Santos, J. dos Santos and Pedro are ruled out. Changes in defence will be enforced, Cole is suspended so Romney may start. Ciani is a doubt also, Steres a contender to play at centre back. Carrasco and Husidic are expected to form midfield pairing, allowing Boateng and Lletget to support the striker. LA Galaxy are without a host of players because of injuries, suspension and international duty, as a result the visitors are +1 on the Asian Handicap. LA Galaxy are lacking confidence on the road at the moment, failing to win any of their last 10 road trips. Their opponents possess an intimidating home record and are determined to bounce back after the heavy loss last weekend. The visitors are missing a number of key players across various areas of the pitch. A much-changed LA Galaxy team are expected to lack cohesion and this may result in more chances being conceded. The visitors would gladly accept a draw, while an early goal for the hosts would force LA Galaxy to play with more ambition and may result in over 2.75 goals.
Verdict & Prediction
Despite the 4-1 loss last week, the mood in the Vancouver Whitecaps team is still positive. The early red card had a big influence on the result, coach Robinson had no complaints with the effort shown from his players. With 2 wins from their first 3 games, the hosts have a good platform to build on. Vancouver Whitecaps have turned BC Place Stadium into a fortress, losing just 1 of their last 14 home matches. The hosts are unbeaten in their last 4 home matches against LA Galaxy which will give them added confidence. With 3 of their next 4 games being away, 3 points here will be crucial.
Prediction: Vancouver Whitecaps -0.75 Asian Handicap
Odds: 1.80 Pinnacle
Other two MLS betting previews for tonight: Colorado Rapids v Sporting Kansas City, Columbus Crew v DC United.
