Vancouver Whitecaps v New England Revolution
The Caps will have to make do without three suspended players here. CB Kendall Waston, midfielder Pedro Morales and striker Octavio Rivero. All three are important players and would normally start for them. The caps also have a couple of guys recently returned from international duty who might be rested, in addition to some other squad injuries. The Caps didn’t have a bad run of results before the Copa America but have kept no clean sheet in their last eight games. Here at home they haven’t lost since the opening day of the season and have to respected on the west coast. But they aren’t being helped by their suspensions so it’ll be interesting to see how Carl Robinson’s men cope.
It looks like the visitors will travel here in relatively good condition. Only midfielder Gershon Koffie and striker Charlie Davies are definitely ruled out. Right back JeVaughn Watson should return to the team following international duty, although there’s some doubts surrounding him. New England picked up from a bit before the Copa America break, winning 2 of their last 3 matches. But their away form has been poor this season, picking up just three points and yet to register a victory. This will be a tough trip to the West coast, especially following a midweek cup match which went all the way to extra time. They didn’t field a full strength team in that though, so not everyone will be affected.
There are two picks I like for this match. The first is to take Vancouver -0.25 around about the 1.84 mark. For a team that hasn’t lost at home since the opening day of the season this seems like a reasonable price. Of course, it has to be considered that they are missing players but there’s enough quality in the Whitecaps’ ranks to see them over the line. Home advantage in MLS can’t ever be underestimated, especially when West plays host to East;. I have a feeling this will be an open game of football. Both teams like to be positive and have had a habit of conceding goals recently. Clean sheets have been scarce which makes be believe over 2.5 goals is also a good bet here. Again, the price is around the 1.80 region and seems more than acceptable. I expect both teams to score but Vancouver to ultimately outscore their opponents.
Asian Handicap Betting Recommendations: Vancouver -0.25 at 1.84 & Over 2.5 goals at 1.85
Orlando City v San Jose Earthquakes
Star man Kaka is almost certainly ruled out with injury. It looks like midfielder Darwin Ceren isn’t going to be fit enough either, along with right back Rafael Ramos. Orlando should be at full strength bar those absences though. The Florida outfit haven’t lost at home yet this season, but a number of draws have halted their progress. It feels like they should’ve won more games than they have done, but come unstuck at crucial times. Their record without Kaka isn’t particularly good, so that has to be put into consideration. Another factor to weigh in is that this team might be extremely united and give that little bit extra because of the recent terror events in the city. The players have all said they feel a big sense of duty to the people of Orlando and will be desperate to perform well here.
The Quakes will definitely be without key striker Chris Wondolowski. It’s possible a few other guys who have recently been on international duty might not be available either. Attacker Simon Dawkins especially could be a doubt because of an additional injury. The California club find themselves in the middle of the Western Conference table but have yet to win away from home this season. They tend to perform worse on their travels and are likely to adopt quite a defensive strategy here. Without Wondo, their attack could be pretty toothless because he’s a massive player for them. A draw would be seen as a good result and quite a strong emphasis is likely to be upon keeping a clean sheet.
Sometimes in sport you have to forget about form and the normal factors when considering betting. I think that’s definitely the case here because emotions are going to be extremely high. The whole City of Orlando has been united in recent times following the shocking terrorist attacks. The players know how much this match means to everyone associated with the place and will be giving 200% effort. The extra motivation factor and drive could be crucial and may well drive them towards victory. That factor aside, Orlando should have a good chance of winning anyway. The Quakes are never particularly good on the road and I don’t think they’ll create many chances in this affair. Wondolowski is a massive player for them and seriously reduces their goal threat. The price on Orlando -0.25 at around the 1.85 mark looks really generous to me and is worth backing. I sense something like a 1-0 or 2-0 win here for the hosts.
Asian Handicap Betting Recommendation: Orlando City -0.25 at 1.85
Prices correct at time of writing.
By @meatmansoccer.
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