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Vancouver Whitecaps are aiming for home advantage in the first round of the play-offs when they take on Los Angeles FC in the final regular-season match. The two teams meet each other at the BC Place Stadium on October 22. LAFC are looking to maintain momentum ahead of the play-offs.
Both teams have been able to secure a place in the later stages of the MLS this season. Vancouver come on the back of a goalless draw with Seattle Sounders while LAFC picked up a 4-2 victory over Austin to move into the second spot of the MLS table.
Vancouver Whitecaps vs Los Angeles Predicted Lineups
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Vancouver Whitecaps vs LAFC Major League Soccer Team News
Vancouver Whitecaps
Vancouver Whitecaps have been able to seal a place in the play-offs much earlier than last season. Now, the club are focused on ensuring home ground in the first leg of the play-offs. In order to achieve home field advantage, Vancouver must pick up a victory against LAFC and hope for a favourable result involving Real Salt Lake and Houston Dynamo in their respective games.
The big doubt for Vancouver Whitecaps will be Andres Cubas, who has a shoulder injury that is likely to keep him out of the game. Thomas Hasal remains on the treatment table with his recent injury. The form of Yohei Takaoka has been a big positive for Vancouver in recent weeks.
Vancouver Whitecaps predicted lineup
Yohei Takaoka, Mathías Laborda, Tristan Blackmon, Ranko Veselinovic, Richie Laryea, Sebastian Berhalter, Pedro Vite, Sam Adekugbe, Junior Hoilett, Brian White, Ryan Gauld
Los Angeles FC
LAFC have announced their return to scoring form with a bang. The team has picked up nine goals in the last two matches against Minnesota and Austin. Once again, the star of the show has been Denis Bouanga. These two big victories have raised expectations ahead of the final regular-season game. Crucially, the win over Austin is the first away success for the team since June.
LAFC do not generally pick up great results at the BC Place Stadium, but coach Steven Cherundolo is counting on the team’s recent form.
Kellyn Acosta did not feature in the recent win over Austin. Even though he still remains a doubt for the upcoming game, there is a potential for the 28-year-old to have a place on the bench. In his 23 league appearances this season, the defender has largely been utilised in the midfield positions.
Los Angeles FC predicted lineup
Maxime Crépeau, Ryan Hollingshead, Giorgio Chiellini, Aaron Long, Diego Palacios, Ilie Sanchez, Timothy Tillman, Mateusz Bogusz, Cristian Olivera, Denis Bouanga, Nathan Ordaz
Vancouver Whitecaps vs Los Angeles Predicted Lineup – Featured Duel: Denis Bouanga vs Ranko Veselinovic
Denis Bouanga did not take long to get back on the top of the goalscoring charts in the 2023 MLS regular season. The Gabon forward has managed 19 goals so far this season with five of them coming in the last two matches. It is staggering that the 28-year-old has contributed more than 50% of the goals scored by LAFC in the last two matches.
Ranko Veselinovic will have a tough time in keeping out Bouanga as he tries to cut inside from the left. So far this season, Veselinovic has been one of the best names in the Vancouver defence. Even though he has managed less than a tackle per game, his overall awareness has led to an impressive 4.6 clearances per match.
Vancouver Whitecaps vs Los Angeles Predicted Lineup – The Final Word
Even though both these teams have been able to get a place in the play-offs, Vancouver Whitecaps have a lot more reason to go for three points in this match. LAFC are keen to secure a second spot in the regular-season table but they have struggled in recent visits to the BC Place. Both teams may end up sharing the points.
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