Prediction: Vancouver win
Best Odds: 13/8
Bookmaker: 888sport
The Euros and Copa America have officially come to an end and in its place, major European leagues across the continent are set to get underway shortly. However, there are a couple noteworthy top tiers that are already deep into their campaign already – including Major League Soccer. All clubs are pushing for a place in the playoffs and today, we’ll be previewing what should be an intriguing battle of styles between struggling Vancouver Whitecaps and Houston Dynamo.
Vancouver Whitecaps
Ever since becoming the first team from the Great White North to qualify for the playoffs back in 2012, things have gone a bit stagnant for the Whitecaps. They aren’t the prominent, rising force they once were and instead of moving in a forward direction, they’re pretty used to double-digit losses pretty much every season. In order to change the status quo, they need to start thinking about ways to really develop themselves as a community club.
Team News
Crepeau and Cavallini are both out of action for this one as they’ve been called up to Canada’s Gold Cup squad, with Gaspar being ruled out through an ankle sprain.
Houston Dynamo
The Orange Crush started off like a house on fire by winning the MLS Cup in their first two seasons, riding the insane wave built up by their introduction to the league as a brand new franchise. Ever since then they’ve enjoyed sporadic success but in comparison to some of their Houston neighbours, they’ve allowed themselves to get a bit lethargic. In the next couple of months, making a real push for the playoffs needs to be seen as a priority.
Team News
The Gold Cup is going to force big changes to Houston’s starting XI with Figueroa, Ceren, Pasher, Lassiter and Garcia all making their way over to the tournament.
Factors to Consider
- Houston are 9th in the Western Conference whereas Vancouver are in 12th.
- Vancouver have won one, drawn two and lost three of their last six games.
- Houston have drawn four and lost two of their last six games.
- Vancouver have scored eight goals and conceded 13 in their last six games.
- Houston have scored seven goals and conceded 10 in their last six games.
Conclusion
This is another game that should fall into the “tight and tense affair” but when you’re towards the bottom of the conference in the MLS, momentum plays a big role in future results. Vancouver continues to leak goals but with them being at home and having a win behind them in their last game, we just feel as if they’re going to be the ones to watch against a Houston side that seems to have forgotten how to win. Therefore, we’re going to put down a 2-1 Vancouver prediction.
Prediction: Vancouver win
Best Odds: 13/8
Bookmaker: 888sport
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