Vancouver Whitecaps vs Los Angeles FC Prediction: It's over for the Whitecaps even before it started

Vancouver Whitecaps and Atlanta United will face each other in the return leg of their first Playoff match. Atlanta United were big winners in the first leg after thrashing Vancouver Whitecaps 5-2 in that match. And once again, Los Angeles FC have proven that they are still major contenders despite their experience last season. Vancouver Whitecaps will have a tough battle overturning such a deficit, but we can expect them to come into this game with a sense of urgency.

Vancouver Whitecaps

The Whitecaps are hoping for a Miracle to overturn a huge goal difference in this return leg. They lost to Atlanta United in the first leg by 5 goals to 2 and they have 90 minutes to set things right.

The defeat came as a huge surprise considering that The Whitecaps were unbeaten in their 5 matches prior to that game. In those 5 games, they had 1 win and 4 draws. So losing by such a huge goal difference was disappointing for The Whitecaps. Their home form also offers little consolation coming into this game. They won 1 of their last 5 home games, drawing 2 and losing 2.

Vancouver Whitecaps and Los Angeles played against each other 5 times this year. They played both legs in the CONCACAF Champions League, and Vancouver Whitecaps were knocked out as Los Angeles won both legs 3-0. Then they faced twice in the MLS and Vancouver Whitecaps won the first game 3-2 and then played 1-1 in their second meeting. Finally, their 5th meeting was in the playoffs and they lost 5-2.

Los Angeles FC

Los Angeles are almost through to the next round and there's a very strong confidence that they will be strong contenders for the trophy. Los Angeles pulled off a master class against Vancouver Whitecaps in the first leg, winning the game 5-2. Ryan Hollingshead and Denis Bouanga scored a brace each and Jesus Murillo was also on the scoresheet in that game.

Los Angeles FC will be coming into this game full of confidence with such a huge advantage. They are also in fine form at the moment, winning 3 of their last 5 games. They have also lost one of their last 5 away games.

Los Angeles FC beat Vancouver Whitecaps 3 times in their 5 meetings this year. In those 5 matches, two of them were played at the BC Place and they won 1 and drew the other game. From every indication, Los Angeles FC should not be threatened so much in this return leg.

Head to Head

Los Angeles FC and Vancouver Whitecaps will playing their 19th match against each other. In the previous 18 games, Los Angeles FC won 8 matches, Vancouver Whitecaps won 5 matches and they played a draw 5 times.

Analysis and Predictions

I don't see a way back for The Whitecaps after such an embarrassing defeat. They lack both the mental capacity to pull off such a comeback and the Los Angeles FC team are feeling confident and motivated.

Their previous meetings shows both teams have been able to register a goal in their last 3 matches against each other. So, we can expect to see a few goals scored here. But that doesn't help Vancouver Whitecaps in any way as they can expect Los Angeles FC to come here searching for goals too.

• Team 1 to Score Goal 1 at 1.89 Odds
• Away to Win Either Half at 1.69 Odds
• Correct Score 2-1 at 11.00 Odds