This week, two teams with new managerial roles clash heads as Vancouver Whitecaps play host to Real Salt Lake. The match schedules for Monday at the BC Place Stadium, with kickoff at 5 am.
In three of their last six matches, the hosts shared spoils while suffering a 4-3 loss to Pacific FC in the Canadian Championship. On the other hand, Real Salt Lake suffered a 2-1 loss to Colorado Rapids in the MLS.
Hope had all but disappeared for the Vancouver Whitecaps, who went winless in eight straight games from May 12 until July 13.
However, they have managed to string together many points lately and just won their second consecutive game against Minnesota United FC on Saturday night with a score of 2-1 at BC Place Stadium.
While they are still three points back of the final playoff spot in the Western Conference, with a game in hand, their win over Real Salt Lake puts them closer to clinching that position.
Furthermore, Salt Lake has been in a position to win many games this year, but just like their 2-1 defeat last Saturday to the Colorado Rapids; results haven’t always gone their way.
A win on Sunday could move Colorado Rapids up to fifth in the Western Conference and put some distance between themselves their competition at eighth.
Vancouver Whitecaps vs Real Salt Lake Head to Head
Both sides have 26 games against each other, with Real Salt Lake taking ten wins while Vancouver Whitecaps with 11 wins. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Pacific FC 4-3 Vancouver Whitecaps
- Vancouver Whitecaps 2-1 Los Angeles FC
- Austin FC 1-2 Vancouver Whitecaps
- San Jose Earthquakes 0-0 Vancouver Whitecaps
- LA Galaxy 1-1 Vancouver Whitecaps
Away
- Colorado Rapids 2-1 Real Salt Lake
- Real Salt Lake 2-1 Houston Dynamo
- Real Salt Lake 1-0 Austin FC
- Portland Timbers 3-2 Real Salt Lake
- LA Galaxy 1-0 Real Salt Lake
Vancouver Whitecaps Team News
After signing a contract extension with the club, Ryan Gauld remains a major threat to the camp. Other threats available this week include Brian White with two goals in his last two MLS matches.
Real Salt Lake Team News
Despite losing to Colorado Rapids, Albert Rusnak notched his fifth competition goal and looked like a threat. Top goalscorer Damir Kreilach remains unavailable after picking his fifth booking.
Prediction and Odds
The hosts are currently on top form, and we anticipate a clean swoop over their out of form opponents.
- Home Win
- Goals Under 2.5
- Gauld to Score
