LAFC welcome Vancouver Whitecaps to BMO Stadium for game one in a best-of-three series in the first round of MLS Cup playoffs on October 28.
LAFC are looking to defend their 2022 MLS Cup title and it all starts in round one against Vancouver. LAFC are led by Denis Bouanga, who wrapped up the 2023 Golden Boot award on Decision Day against the Whitecaps to end his campaign with 20 goals scored.
On the other hand, Vancouver have a formidable duo that's propelled them up the Western Conference table this campaign. Brian White leads the team in scoring with 15 goals, while Ryan Gauld has notched 11 goals and dished out 12 assists and is one of only eight players in MLS to have reached 10 + figures in both categories in 2023.
LAFC will be favorites at home, but Vancouver shouldn't be underestimated in the primetime clash.
What time does LAFC vs Vancouver Whitecaps kick-off?
- Location: Los Angeles, California
- Stadium: BMO Stadium
- Date: Saturday 28 October
- Kick-off Time: 21:00 ET / 18:00 PT / 02:00 GMT * 29 October 2023
- Referee: Jon Freemon
LAFC vs Vancouver Whitecaps H2H record
- LAFC: 6 wins
- Vancouver Whitecaps: 5 wins
- Draws: 4 draws
- Last meeting: Vancouver Whitecaps 1-1 LAFC (MLS) - 21 October 2023
How to watch LAFC vs Vancouver Whitecaps on TV channel and live stream
LAFC team news
LAFC boss Steve Cherundolo has no fresh injury concerns in his squad, meaning he'll have his full team available for selection.
LAFC predicted lineup vs Vancouver Whitecaps
LAFC predicted lineup vs Vancouver Whitecaps (4-3-3): Crepeau; Palenica, Murrilo, Chiellini, Palacios; Tillman, Sanchez, Bogusz; Olivera, Vela, Bouanga.
Vancouver Whitecaps team news
Thomas Hasal and Andres Cubas will both miss out for the Whitecaps, with the former dealing with a knee problem while the latter is recovering from shoulder injury. Should Vancouver progress to the next round, both players are on track to recover by mid-to-late November.
Vancouver Whitecaps predicted lineup vs LAFC
Vancouver Whitecaps predicted lineup (3-5-2): Takaoka; Brown, Veselinovic, Blackmon; Laryea, Schopf, Berhalter, Ahmed, Raposo; White, Gauld.
LAFC vs Vancouver Whitecaps score prediction
LAFC stumbled near the end of the playoffs but still managed to clinch home field advantage with a third place finish in the Western Conference, which could be the difference for them in their title defense.
Vela is still a threat in front of goal and Bouanga is in the form of his life, so it should be straightforward for the Black and Gold with the likes of Giorgio Chiellini and Jesus Murillo shoring up the backline.
Prediction: LAFC 3-1 Vancouver Whitecaps
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This article was originally published on 90min as LAFC vs Vancouver Whitecaps - MLS Cup playoffs preview: TV channel, live stream, team news and prediction.