Vancouver Whitecaps vs Atlanta United Predictions

Two teams in the midst of good runs of form clash in the MLS on Thursday, as Vancouver Whitecaps play host to the current MLS Cup holders Atlanta United. The visitor’s performances have improved a lot since the start of the season, to the point where they have now only conceded two goals in their last six matches. Vancouver Whitecaps haven’t been conceding many goals either, and that’s part of the reason we are expecting a very close game between the pair on Thursday.

Vancouver Whitecaps entertained Portland Timbers at the weekend and could so easily have lost the match, as their guests had more of the possession, more corners, and more shots during the ninety minutes. However, a ninth minute effort from former Sporting Lisbon forward Montero proved enough for Vancouver Whitecaps to pinch all three points. Atlanta United survived a couple of late scares to claim a deserved victory at home to Orlando City last time out, with new signing Gonzalo Martínez scoring his goal for the club in style early in the first half. Atlanta United are improving, especially defensively, but still lack that attacking threat they used to such good effect last season.

There isn’t much of a head to head record between the two sides to go on, but their performances in the MLS heading into Thursday’s match suggests Vancouver Whitecaps stand a very good chance of picking up at least a point at home to the MLS Cup holders. Vancouver Whitecap’s and Atlanta United have only lost one of their last six matches in the MLS. Vancouver Whitecaps won the only previous encounter between the two sides in Canada 3-1 back in 2017. The hosts have only failed to score in one of their last six matches, while their guests have scored in all of their last six matches. Two of Vancouver Whitecap’s last six matches have ended in 1-1 draws, and while we do believe the hosts can win this game, the most likely result is a draw, because both teams are playing well at this moment in time.

Montero moved onto three goals for the season at the weekend, while Barco and Josef Martinez have each netted four times for Atlanta United. We’re confident that Vancouver Whitecaps will take something from Thursday’s match and have backed the hosts with a double chance bet, and have predicted a final scoreline of 1-1. Both teams have proved hard to beat and have good scoring records heading into Thursday’s match, which is why we believe a 1-1 draw is the most likely outcome, but with that home advantage, the Canadians could pinch all three points.