Best Odds: 4/7
Bookmaker:
Looking to make it back-to-back Leagues Cup victories in the early hours of Wednesday, Los Angeles will welcome Vancouver to the BMO Stadium.
Los Angeles FC
Starting with the hosts, getting their Leagues Cup adventure underway last weekend with a major statement of intent as they stormed their way to a 3-0 romp against Mexican outfit Tijuana, Los Angeles will be seeking a repeat performance here. Picking up some perfect momentum on July 21st as they secured another 3-0 victory against Seattle, Steve Cherundolo’s men arena the midst of a real purple patch. In fact, the Falcons have suffered just a single defeat from any of their previous 17 appearances across all competitions a run that stems all the way back to May 5th. Tipped as a standout contender to be crowned Western Conference champions this season, Los Angeles have also suffered just a sole defeat at the BMO Stadium throughout 2024.
Team News
Still dealing with a long-term knee injury and not making a single appearance across any competition so far this season, Los Angeles will once again be without ex-Juventus starlet Lorenzo Dellavalle. However, aside from the 20-year-old defender, Cherundolo’s camp have reported a clean bill of health heading into Wednesday’s showdown.
Opening his League Cup account with a brace against Tijuana last weekend and also featuring for Uruguay at this summer’s Copa America, Cristian Olivera will play a leading role in the final third at the BMO Stadium.
Vancouver Whitecaps
As for the visitors, while Vancouver might have found themselves at the heart of their own eye-catching flurry when opening July, the Whitecaps have come crashing back down to earth. Blown away last weekend as they slumped to a 4-1 friendly defeat at the hands of Wrexham, Vanni Sartini’s side are desperately seeking some kind of defensive stability. Heading into the MLS’ summer interval with an action-packed 4-3 defeat at home against Houston, Wednesday’s guests have remarkably recorded just a sole clean sheet from any of their previous 17 consecutive matchups across all competitions. Facing what appears to be a real challenge here, Vancouver also hold a nightmare record against LAFC. Including a 3-0 drumming when they travelled to the BMO Stadium back on May 12th, they have lost all of their last three showdowns by an aggregate score of 9-2.
Team News
Still dealing with a recent muscle injury and not featuring over the past month, Vancouver will travel to the BMO Stadium without former Los Angeles defender Tristan Blackmon here. Likewise, limping off against Houston on July 21st following a first-half knock, ex-Sporting Lisbon starlet Ryan Gauld remains a real doubt on Wednesday.
Recording four goals in his previous three MLS appearances before heading into the summer interval, veteran striker Fafa Picault will spearhead Vancouver’s charge in the final third.
Key Factors to Consider
