Vancouver Whitecaps vs. LAFC – MLS, October 14, 2020

It has been less than a month since LAFC thrashed Vancouver 6-0. But unfortunately for the Whitecaps, they face Bob Bradley’s side again on Wednesday, October 14.

The Caps managed to end a four-game losing streak by securing a dramatic comeback win over Real Salt Lake on Sunday, but they still find themselves third-bottom in the Western Conference. Meanwhile, fourth-place LAFC is six points ahead following back-to-back 3-1 victories.

You can find my Vancouver Whitecaps vs. LAFC prediction and betting pick below.

With this game being played at Portland’s Providence Park, there is no home advantage to take into account here. Unsurprisingly, 10bet views LAFC (1.40) as the clear favorite to win this one, with Vancouver (7.00) the obvious outsider.

However, given LAFC’s iffy form this year, I wouldn’t be at all shocked if the huge price for the draw (5.05) attracts plenty of attention.

Let’s be honest, the Whitecaps needed a game against a wildly off-form team, didn’t they? Vancouver had lost four straight games before facing Real Salt Lake on Sunday, but luckily, RSL has also been struggling massively in recent weeks.

Marc Dos Santos’ side went behind just before half time, but two goals in the space of four second-half minutes swung the game in the Caps’ favor. A Douglas Martinez own goal was quickly followed by the winning goal from Lucas Cavallini, handing the Canadians their first victory in six games.

What's better than a win?
A comeback win.
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Fries for desert this Thanksgiving, tell your aunty to take the night off ?
➡️ https://t.co/VN3ZSBKLCC#VANvRSL #VWFC | @AWCanada pic.twitter.com/xHrQmg7cM5

— Vancouver Whitecaps FC (@WhitecapsFC) October 11, 2020

Believe it or not, the Whitecaps have actually won more games than six teams in the Western Conference (6). But no side has lost more times than Vancouver (11). Remarkably, the Caps are the only team in the division without a draw to their name this year.

Needless to say, Dos Santos’ men must start turning defeats into draws if they want to make a late – and somewhat unexpected – break into the play-off spots.

On the flip side, LAFC has started to gather some momentum of late. It is no secret that Bradley’s men are nowhere near the level they were last year, but having won three of their previous four outings, things are definitely looking up.

The Black & Gold’s revival started with a 6-0 crushing of Vancouver, with victories over Real Salt Lake and Seattle Sounders coming soon after. Bradley’s men were expected to beat RSL, but the win against conference-leader Seattle took everyone by surprise.

Of course, we all knew that LAFC was capable of beating the Sounders. But the California outfit hasn’t been firing on all cylinders this year. However, following a rough patch, it finally feels like LAFC is back on track.

LAFC’s struggles have been well documented throughout 2020, but judging by the team’s recent performances, I believe the Black & Gold is finally moving in the right direction again.

Neither of these teams like a draw, so I’m confident we will see a winner on Wednesday. I was tempted by the sky-high odds for the Vancouver win and the draw, but I simply can’t see a rejuvenated LAFC side losing this one.