Vancouver Whitecaps vs Los Angeles FC Prediction: Vancouver Whitecaps Seek Redemption at Home Against LAFC as They Fight to Stay Alive in the Playoffs

Welcome to the MLS playoffs as Vancouver Whitecaps host Los Angeles FC in the second leg of a pulsating Best-of-3 series. LAFC just about managed to scrape a 2-1 win in the opening leg and therefore hold the slenderest of advantages going into this one. The stakes have never been higher, and that is where Vancouver will host this leg at BC Place, looking to exploit their home advantage and try to even up the series, forcing a decisive third game. Meanwhile, Steven Cherundolo's LAFC will be determined to grab the win that will see them through without any third-leg drama.

The Vancouver playoff showdown with LAFC carries a lot of weight, as Vancouver aims to turn the tables on an advantage that their hosts have managed to create. Whitecaps manager Vanni Sartini will most likely adopt a formation that will increase their attacking prowess, considering the magnitude of this winner-takes-all game. While the last outing against LAFC was bright in flashes, Sartini would look at staunching the backline and trying to be more fluid upfront.

Under Sartini, the Whitecaps have often deployed an attacking 4-3-3 that looks to pull apart the opposition by using width. In the first leg, Vancouver focused on possessing the ball-51% of the ball-but failed to convert that possession into clear goalscoring opportunities. For the second leg, Sartini will undoubtedly push his fullbacks well forward with much more aggression in pursuit of overlaps using width against LAFC's compact defensive structure. On the other hand, with Vancouver's midfield trio, they will likely be more influential in setting the tempo of the game, while up front, the three will look to press LAFC's backline, before trying to move the ball quickly, as a means of creating shooting opportunities.

Cherundolo's LAFC would be slight favorites but have much work to do to adjust to the intense atmosphere in Vancouver, where the Whitecaps have enjoyed a great deal of support this season. Even though LAFC gave a great performance in the first leg of the tie-impelled mostly by efficient finishing-its game seemed well-balanced, with sharp transitions from midfield to attack that proved effective against Vancouver. Both teams will have to manage playoff pressure and remain focused, as minor lapses can tip the scale in what could be a keenly-balanced series.

Cherundolo's 3-4-3 lineup has given LAFC great flexibility and strong defensive coverage, all while a potent attack is driven by the rapid interchanges in midfield. The back three will be tested by Vancouver's anticipated press, but with the support of a midfield line capable on defense, they can revert to a five-man defense, which is helpful in absorbing pressure when needed. Offensively, LAFC will look to exploit spaces left by Vancouver's attacking full-backs, transitioning quickly to catch them on the counter. It was something that worked quite well in the first leg and will likely be a big part of their plan of attack going into the second encounter.

Historically, LAFC have enjoyed the better of the two sides when playing against Vancouver, leading in the series 11-6 with 3 draws. Their recent game in the first leg again brought out the fact that LAFC know how to rise to an occasion, even as Vancouver's home advantage may make things equal in this second leg. Both teams have shown tactical development in head-to-head matches, but on most occasions, LAFC has been steady and shown how to take advantage of scoring opportunities.

It promises intensity in the second leg, with Vancouver keen to square up and LAFC eager to seal it. Vancouver's home form this regular season has indeed been very encouraging, and an attacking game could very well trouble LAFC, especially if Sartini's adjustments help them better their finishing. However, the adaptability and balanced play of LAFC provide them a good chance of withstanding Vancouver's offensive onslaught and using counterattacks to their advantage.

This being the positioning of Vancouver and its concentration will be very important, as an early goal for LAFC can make the momentum fall heavily in their favour. Considering the fact that LAFC is very strong in converting key chances, Sartini's side must implement a tight defensive strategy with a prolonged attack. Eventually, the result may come down to which side can capitalize on set-pieces and fast-break opportunities.

• Over 2.5 Goals @ 1.60 Odds
• GG & Over 2.5 Goals @ 1.68 Odds
• Over 2.5 Goals @ 1.60 Odds