Vancouver Whitecaps will play hosts to Real Salt Lake in a game that could see the Whitecaps back in true playoff contention, or RSL further strengthening their spot near the top of the standings. With that said, it’s a good time to check out our MLS odds series, which includes our Vancouver-Salt Lake prediction and pick we have laid out below.
Vancouver Whitecaps, after making the playoffs last season, have been recovering after an abysmal start. After a start that saw them lose six in eight games, the Whitecaps are now in good form and could be back in playoff contention, despite their horrid start to the season. Now, they have a chance to knock out one of the strongest teams in the conference. In terms of Real Salt Lake, they are third in the conference, tied on points with FC Dallas. They will have a chance to further strengthen their position, and if they were to lose, three teams have a chance to leapfrog them. It is a massive game for both teams.
Courtesy of FanDuel, here are the Vancouver-Salt Lake MLS odds:
MLS Odds: Vancouver-Salt Lake Odds
Vancouver: (+170)
Salt Lake: (+145)
Draw: (+210)
Over: 2.5 (+102)
Under: 2.5 (-126)
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Why Vancouver Could Win This Game
As said above, the Vancouver Whitecaps had a horrid start to the season. Out of the first eight matches, they only managed to get four points, out of the possible 24. With that record, everyone was well aware that the Whitecaps are not going to be anywhere near playoff contention, so they rallied. In their last five, they have gathered ten points out of the possible 15. Right now, with four points the difference between them and the last playoff spot, Vancouver will be going for every point available.
A major reason why Vancouver could win this game is their form at home. Only one out of their seven losses came at home and it is their abysmal record away from the BC Place Stadium that has kept them down. This Vancouver roster has actually been good at home, recording three wins, two draws, and only a single loss to the Portland Timbers. That loss could have been avoided if the Whitecaps converted on an 88th-minute penalty.
In terms of talent, the best bet that this Vancouver squad has is Lucas Cavalini, their best scorer with four goals this season. The individual talent of Ryan Gauld can also come to fruition, although he has not been as prolific this year. There is a great deal of character in this roster and while the individuals will help, it will be a team effort that brings Vancouver a possible victory in this match.
Why Salt Lake Could Win This Game
If there was a giant slayer in this edition of the MLS, it is RSL. Salt Lake defeated some huge teams, such as LA Galaxy, Austin FC, and CF Montreal. They are, of course, yet to play the likes of the New York Red Bulls, Philadelphia Union, and LAFC, but they have been doing great versus big teams. They have also handled other opponents well and overall sit at 25 points out of 14 games. It seems they are fully out of the crisis they had from matchday five until matchday nine.
The biggest reason why Real Salt Lake could win this game is their form. As said above, they had a rough patch, but overall, they have four wins in their last five games, including wins over Galaxy and Austin FC. However, they have also beat fringe playoff team Houston Dynamo and won in Montreal, so they can really pull out ahead no matter the opposition. They will definitely look to continue their positive streak and continue their fight for the top of the West.
In terms of talent, Salt Lake have a ton of great footballers. Guys like Justen Glad, Pablo Ruiz, Johan Kappelhof are joined by the likes of Bobby Wood and Sergio Cordova as possible difference-makers in any match. Glad and Cordova lead the offensive line with three goals each, but it would be wrong not to also mention the great defensive work done by the likes of Kappelhof and Marcelo Silva. This is a solid team all-around and they definitely outweigh the talent of Vancouver.
Final Vancouver-Salt Lake Prediction & Pick
This is a lot tougher than it looks. Salt Lake are thriving and definitely challenging the top of the conference, while Vancouver need all the points possible to still remain in the postseason race. It is tough to disregard the rallying job of the Whitecaps, but our final Vancouver-Salt Lake prediction will be a Salt Lake win at BC Place Stadium.
Final Vancouver-Salt Lake Pick: Salt Lake (+145)
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