Vancouver Whitecaps vs San Diego FC Tips, Predictions and Bet Builder

The Vancouver Whitecaps have been blazing a trail at the top of the MLS Western Conference this season and lead the standings by two points after losing only two of their first 17 matches.

However, their second loss came in their most recent outing against the Columbus Crew, and they now head into a home showdown against newcomers San Diego FC, who are second in the conference in their first MLS campaign.

The Californian club beat third-placed Minnesota United in their last match and would move above the Whitecaps if they can pull off a road victory, so they should head north in good spirits.

Vancouver Whitecaps vs San Diego FC Tips Summary

Market	Tip	Odds
Match Result	Draw	13/5
Best Bet	Draw	13/5
Bet Builder	Anders Dreyer anytime goalscorer, Pedro Vite to score or assist	11/2

Key Match Stats

• Vancouver have lost only two of their first 17 MLS games

• The Whitecaps are unbeaten in their last six home matches, winning four of them

• Six of Vancouver's last eight games have produced over 2.5 goals

• San Diego have won 10 of their 18 MLS matches in their first season

• San Diego have won six of their last eight games

• The Whitecaps will be without their 10-goal leading scorer Brian White, who is on international duty

Vancouver Whitecaps vs San Diego FC Prediction

Best Bet: Draw @ 13/5

San Diego are enjoying plenty of first-season success in their debut MLS campaign and the expansion franchise have their sights set on the top of the Western Conference as they head to Vancouver.

However, the Whitecaps are a real force on their home pitch and are not likely to go down easily.

While San Diego are expected to be competitive, it's no surprise that the Whitecaps are favourites despite coming off a loss against Columbus Crew in their last match, so the best value may lie in backing the draw.

The Whitecaps have been hit hard by the CONCACAF Gold Cup and the absence of their top scorer Brian White is a real blow. White has scored 10 of their 31 MLS goals this season and also bagged six of their 14 goals in the Champions Cup, highlighting his importance.

Vancouver have kept clean sheets in their last two games at BC Place, a goalless draw against Minnesota and a 3-0 win over Seattle, but they know they will face a real test against San Diego.

The newcomers had a rough patch in March and April, when they sustained four of their five league defeats this season within six games, but they have six wins and a draw in their last eight fixtures. 

Their only recent loss came on the road at Seattle and that 1-0 defeat is a slight concern for this trip.

Phil Agius says:

Vancouver are a tough team to beat at home and while San Diego are lucky to be facing them without their top scorer, Brian White, a draw may be the best value option.

Vancouver Whitecaps vs San Diego FC Bet Builder Tip

• Anders Dreyer anytime goalscorer

• Pedro Vite to score or assist

  
  Pays 11/2

While Vancouver are missing their top scorer, San Diego continue to receive excellent service from their own leading marksman, Anders Dreyer. 

The Dane arrived in the United States after a successful spell at Anderlecht, having been on the books of Brighton and Motherwell early in his career. He leads the team with eight goals and nine assists in 18 league games and looks the most likely player on the visitors' roster to get on the scoresheet in Vancouver.

Dreyer scored twice in the 4-2 win over Minnesota last time out and has also netted against Colorado, St Louis City and FC Dallas since the start of May.

With Brian White unavailable, Vancouver need to find goals from elsewhere in the team and Pedro Vite looks capable of stepping up to either score or supply one against San Diego.

The Ecuadorian attacking midfielder has recorded four goals and four assists this season and has made some key contributions, including the 90th-minute winning goal in the 3-2 win at Real Salt Lake and a double in the 3-1 success at Minnesota.

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Phil Agius adds:

With players missing from both sides, Dreyer and Vite should be key figures in this match and both are capable of getting involved in goals for their respective teams.

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Tactics, Form and Team news

Vancouver will again be missing several players due to international duty. Defender Sebastian Berhalter and top-scorer Brian White are representing the United States at the CONCACAF Gold Cup, while midfielders Ali Ahmed and Jayden Nelson are with the Canada squad.

Expected Vancouver Whitecaps XI (5-4-1): Takaoka; Laborda, Utvik, Veselinovic, Blackmon, Ocampo; Vite, Cubas, Priso, Ngando; Rios.

San Diego are not quite so depleted due to the CONCACAF Gold Cup but midfield regular Luca de la Torre is with the United States squad and Anibal Godoy is representing Panama at the tournament.

Expected San Diego FC XI (4-3-3): Dos Santos; Verhoeven, McVey, Pilcher, Bombino; Alvarado Jr, Tverskov, Valakari; Dreyer, Ingvartsen, Mighten.

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.