Vancouver Whitecaps vs. Philadelphia Union MLS Preview and Prediction
Another exclusive MLS matchweek brings us a matchup between Eastern Conference leaders, Philadelphia Union (57 points), and Western Conference top contenders, Vancouver Whitecaps (49 points).
Both teams look to continue their strides before the playoffs, so get ready for some of the best cross-conference action occurring at 9:30 p.m. ET on Saturday.
Vancouver is a +110 favourite to win on the MLS odds, while Philadelphia is a +200 underdog. A draw is listed at +250.
Vancouver Whitecaps vs. Philadelphia Union MLS Odds and Betting Trends
The Whitecaps and Union have only played each other 10 times altogether, resulting in three wins for Vancouver, three wins for Philadelphia, and four draws. They only meet once a year during the MLS regular season, with their last matchup against each other being all the way back in April of 2019. In their last three confrontations, they’ve drawn two, with the Union dishing out a crushing 4-0 to the Whitecaps in 2018.
Despite being first in the Eastern Conference, the Whitecaps are actually favoured at +110 on the three-way moneyline, with the Union set to win at +200, and a draw to occur at +250 odds. The Over/Under is 2.5, and the Over has -175 odds while the Under is priced at +120.
Philadelphia Union
After a 3-2 win over the Red Bulls in the US Open Cup Quarterfinal on August 13th, the Union returned to the MLS three days later and suffered a 1-0 loss to the same NY side. Since then, the Union claimed a 4-0 victory over Chicago before escaping Cincinnati with a 1-0 win. They currently reside atop the MLS Eastern Conference standings with 57 points and a +23 goal differential, the highest in the league.
Striker Tai Baribo leads his team with 16 goals and three assists on the season. Outside of teammate Bruno Damiani (five goals and one assist), the Union will look to Baribo as their main man up top.
Vancouver Whitecaps
The Whitecaps are having a spectacular season after 27 games played so far, as they sit in third place in the MLS Western Conference with 49 points and a +16 goal differential. They concluded their first leg of the Canadian Championship 2-2 on aggregate on August 13 before returning to the MLS four days later, earning a 1-1 draw against Houston. In their last match, they picked up a 3-2 win over St. Louis and will try to continue their form against a tough Philadelphia side.
Forward Brian White has been the main catalyst for the team’s goals, with 14 to his name (and one assist) after just 19 games played. However, it’s not likely that he’ll be fit for this game, as he recently suffered a hamstring injury in early September. Forward Emmanuel Sabbi is the only other major goalscorer with five goals so far, although both Nelson Pierre and Daniel Rios are marked as favoured anytime goalscorers at +190 and +180 odds respectively.
MLS Prediction: Who Will Win Vancouver Whitecaps vs. Philadelphia Union?
I’m truly surprised to see the Whitecaps favoured in this matchup, especially when considering two major points. Brian White, the team’s top goalscorer, is likely not to start (or play) in this game, and the Union has the top goal differential in the league. The Whitecaps +105 three-way money line odds may come from their home field advantage, but I have faith in the Union at +220 odds to take home the three points from this showing in a 2-1 win. I’m also on Tai Baribo to add to his goal-scoring tally at +160 odds.
