Vancouver Whitecaps Vs Chicago Fire
Vancouver Whitecaps Vs Chicago Fire Sunday, 24 July 2022 – 02:00 (BST)
US Major League Soccer
Pick: Over 2.5 Goals
Odds: 20/23
Bookmaker: Coral
(All betting odds correct at time of writing: 22 July 2022)
Preview: This resurgent Chicago Fire side are on the cusp of winning three consecutive games in MLS for the first time since July 2017. Standing in their way of that potential feat are a Vancouver Whitecaps boasting a mean record this season when playing here at BC Place, Vancouver.
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Table of Contents
Vancouver Whitecaps – Blue-and-White gone a little flat?
The Whitecaps are bidding for successive MLS Cup Playoffs appearances, after bowing out in the first round in 2021 at the hands of Sporting Kansas City. However, those prospects have hit a snag in recent weeks following a three-game winless stretch – coming up short at home to Minnesota United but holding FC Cincinnati and Portland Timbers on the road. Leaving them 10th in the Western Conference standings.
That is now one win in five (W1 D3 L1) for Vanni Sartini’s side. Ironically that came here at BC Place against the best team in the competition as of this moment in time: an LAFC leading the way both in the Western Conference but also the race for the Supporters Shield. They are a tough nut to crack when on home turf, though, putting up a respectable W5 D3 L2 this season against the backdrop of a Vancouver crowd.
Key Stat: Vancouver Whitecaps have scored only twice across their last three MLS home matches (W1 D1 L1). Prior to this, the Canadians had scored two or more in four of five prior league outings at BC Place, Vancouver.
Chicago Fire – The Fire does indeed rise again?
Only a few weeks ago, anyone touting this Chicago Fire side as potential MLS Cup Playoff contenders would have been dismissed into oblivion. Within a short space of time though, on the back of four wins in their last seven MLS outings (W4 L3), the club and their supporters suddenly have good reason to be optimistic about the prospects of competing long after the regular season reaches its conclusion.
Ezra Hendrickson spoke recently, after his side’s 1-0 victory over CONCACAF Champions League holders Seattle Sounders that saw them win successive league games for only the second time all year, about “sticking to the game plan.” That would be keeping it compact and tidy at the back, with all four recent wins being ‘to nil’. All four were also at Soldier Field. Elsewhere, Chicago Fire are W1 D2 L7 for the season.
Key Stat: New York City are the only team to have kept more clean sheets in MLS this year than Chicago Fire, who recorded their ninth defensive shutout of the season – and fourth in the last seven games (all in wins) – last time out vs Seattle Sounders.
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Vancouver Whitecaps Vs Chicago Fire Betting Advice
Momentum is with the visitors as Chicago Fire look to capitalise on the feel good factor that stems from winning four of their last seven matches. There were three losses in amongst that promising sets of results, which does highlight a win or bust mentality to this team. And there have been far too many busts outside of Chicago this term, having lost seven of ten road fixtures so far which includes each of the last four.
Vancouver Whitecaps Vs Chicago Fire – Key Facts:
- In their 11 previous MLS match-ups, Vancouver Whitecaps dominate on wins (six to two). The Whitecaps would win all four as the home side, with each of these encounters producing at least three goals (4.5 goals on average).
- The Whitecaps, however, would lose their way of late. They are W1 D3 L1 in their last five MLS matches having won only one of the last three as hosts (W1 D1 L1).
- Chicago Fire are the form team of the two, on account of their four wins in seven games (L3). Five of their six league wins for the season were ‘to nil’, including their solitary away success of the season – their 2-0 win at DC United in March.
Conversely, the Whitecaps are putting up solid numbers in Vancouver (W5 D3 L2). Their form of late has nosedived, though, winning one of the last five, home and away. The draw appeals then. At least it would if I could actually get one in. Meanwhile, opposing goals doesn’t seem viable – despite neither being all that prolific – with their four head-to-heads in Vancouver seeing on average 4.5 goals and all going Over 2.5.
Best Betting Odds – Vancouver Whitecaps Vs Chicago Fire
Vancouver Whitecaps – 11/8 (Bet365)
Draw – 12/5 (WilliamHill)
Chicago Fire – 2/1 (PaddyPower)
