Vancouver Whitecaps vs Orlando City Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

Vancouver Whitecaps, due to their Canadian stature, were one of the few MLS teams who avoided a midweek fixture this week as the US based MLS teams entered the US Open Cup. This may have given them a few days rest, but they might have liked a bit of an easier fixture to try and regain some confidence.

They did manage to up their morale a bit last weekend as they beat Colorado Rapids away from home, but prior to that they were winless in five matches in the MLS. Admittedly four of these were draws, but it’s still been a rather disappointing start to the 2018 campaign for them.

Whitecaps, who finished 3rd in the Western Conference last season, come into this game sitting 6th in the table. They are already eight points adrift of the Western Conference leaders, and to make matters worse, all of the teams above them have at least a game in hand. If they don’t get a winning run going soon they could find themselves dropping out of the playoff zone.

Orlando City did have a midweek fixture, and it’s one they will have been glad of. They comprehensively beat Miami United 3-0 away from home, ending a run of four consecutive defeats. Now they will hope to transfer that winning form back in the MLS.

It’s been a rollercoaster of a season for Orlando City already. They started by picking up just one point from their opening three games, but followed that with an impressive six match winning streak. Four defeats on the trot followed before their midweek triumph though, leaving them 6th in the MLS Eastern Conference.

They only have a one point cushion before dropping back out of the playoff zone, but they have games in hand to try and bolster that cushion. Given Whitecaps’ recent form, they could well add to their points tally here.

Whitecaps’ recent downturn in results is largely the fault of their defenders. They have drawn three on the bounce at home, but have scored a more than respectable seven goals in those games. They have conceded at least two goals in each of these, whilst Orlando City have scored two or more in three of their six competitive away days this season. Backing Orlando City Over 1.5 Team Goals looks a good choice here, along with yet another high scoring draw for the hosts with a 2-2 correct score predictions.

Vancouver Whitecaps Predicted Lineup: Rowe, Nerwinski, Livchich, Henry, Shea, Techera, Martins, Juarez, DAvies, Reyna, Kamara

Orlando City Predicted Lineup: Bendik, Johnson, Schuller, Rocha, Abdussalam, Higuita, Rosell, Mueller, Kljestan, Meram, Dwyer