Los Angeles Galaxy vs. Vancouver Whitecaps MLS Preview and Prediction

The Los Angeles Galaxy host the Vancouver Whitecaps in the final MLS match on Saturday, with kickoff at 10 p.m. ET.

Vancouver will travel south for this one, and they’re trying to extend their win streak to five against a Galaxy side that has had mixed results at home this season. Somehow, this is just Vancouver’s second road contest of the year, as they picked up a 4-1 win over the Portland Timbers back in March. They should grab another win in LA; let’s dive into my analysis for Saturday’s tilt.

Los Angeles Galaxy vs. Vancouver Whitecaps MLS Odds and Betting Trends

Unsurprisingly, the Whitecaps are +100 road favourites on the three-way moneyline, while the Galaxy are +215 home underdogs and the draw sits at a +280 price on the MLS odds. Like most Vancouver games, the over/under sits at 3.5. The over has +125 odds, while the under carries a -160 price. When these squads faced off in LA last season, the Galaxy ran away with a 4-0 victory.

When it comes to other markets worth monitoring for this game, I’d point you toward the team total and goalscorer markets. Vancouver have -170 odds to score at least two goals, which they’ve done in each of their four wins in their current streak. Additionally, Brian White (+130 to score) is definitely worth a bet, as the American has eight goals in nine MLS games and just scored two last week against the Colorado Rapids.

Los Angeles Galaxy

The Los Angeles Galaxy haven’t found their form just yet this season, but they did pick up a 2-1 home victory against Real Salt Lake last weekend. Even though they won that game, they’ve posted a 2-1-2 record in five matches in front of their home fans. Former Borussia Dortmund star Marco Reus has four goals and three assists this season, and he’ll have to play even better because their leading goalscorer, Klauss Joao, was injured last week. Joao suffered ligament damage to his left foot and underwent surgery, so he will miss an extended period of time.

Outside of Reus and Joao, the Galaxy have just one other player with more than one goal to their name. This could be a major issue against a Vancouver squad that has surrendered just three goals over its last four games. However, it is worth calling out that the Galaxy have dominated this rivalry recently, winning three of the last four meetings.

Vancouver Whitecaps

After being eliminated from the CONCACAF Champions Cup by the Seattle Sounders on March 18, the Vancouver Whitecaps are hitting their form. The Canadian side just came up short in last year’s MLS Cup Final against Inter Miami, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they win it all this season. Although they will feel disappointed that they’re not competing in the Champions Cup, they can now fully focus on MLS play. That is clearly working, as they’ve rattled off four consecutive wins with at least three goals in three of those matches.

White is the main threat up top for the Whitecaps, which is extremely scary considering former Bayern Munich star Thomas Müller (four goals, one assist) is also part of this attack. Even Cheikh Sabaly (two goals) and Emmanuel Sabbi (two goals, two assists) can pose problems to opposing defences, so Vancouver have multiple options up front. The Whitecaps are tied with the most goals in the MLS this season (25), but they have one game in hand.

MLS Prediction: Who Will Win Los Angeles Galaxy vs. Vancouver Whitecaps?

I expect the Whitecaps to keep rolling in this one, taking all three points. However, the Galaxy should find the back of the net at least once, as they’ve done that in 12 of their last 15 home matches dating back to last season and have scored in 10 straight. Look for goals, while the Whitecaps should prevail 3-1.