Vancouver Whitecaps play host to Houston Dynamo looking for the victory which would move them level on points with their opponents in the Western Conference.
Dynamo, currently sitting in ninth position, can move into the playoff spots if they can prevail at BC Place on Tuesday evening.
Match preview
© Reuters
Having lost five games in succession earlier in the season, it comes as no surprise that the Whitecaps find themselves one point above bottom-placed Dallas.
Nevertheless, last week's victory over Los Angeles Galaxy has given the Canadian-based outfit something to work with, particularly given the manner of their win.
Marc Dos Santos's side overturned a one-goal deficit at the break to eventually post a 2-1 success, the goals coming from Deiber Caicedo and Cristian Dajome.
The contributions of the Colombian duo have been rare bright spots in an otherwise disappointing campaign, but supporters will be optimistic that quick headway can be made up the standings.
While the Whitecaps are only one poor result from potentially returning to the foot of the table, posting successive victories for the first time this season may take them up to 10th.
Despite having kept just one clean sheet in 13 matches, Houston have managed to remain in close proximity with the top six in the Western Conference.
Nevertheless, Tab Ramos will acknowledge that his side will soon drop down the table if they do not bring to an end a run of six matches without success.
Although Dynamo have kept points ticking over with four draws, they need to rediscover a ruthless streak in the final third after netting just twice in 270 minutes.
Maximiliano Urruti remains the club's top goalscorer with six goals, but the Argentine has contributed just one goal in his most recent four outings.
- L
- L
- D
- D
- L
- W
- L
- D
- D
- D
- D
- L
Team News
© Reuters
Despite the short turnaround, Dos Santos may be prepared to stick with the Whitecaps XI which started the win against LA Galaxy.
Caio Alexandre, Tosaint Ricketts and Ryan Raposo are realistic alternatives if Dos Santos wishes to introduce fresh legs.
Dynamo would have enjoyed a 13-day break from action when taking to the pitch on Tuesday evening, giving Ramos time to contemplate changes after the defeat to Seattle Sounders.
On the back of seven substitute appearances, veteran attacker Darwin Quintero could finally be provided with his first start of the season.
Vancouver Whitecaps possible starting lineup:
Hasal; Brown, Veselinovic, Godoy, Gutierrez; Bikel, Baldisimo, Teibert; Dajome, White, Caicedo
Houston Dynamo possible starting lineup:
Maric; Valentin, Parker, Junqua, Lundqvist; Corona, Jones, Vera; Picault, Urruti, Quintero
We say: Vancouver Whitecaps 2-1 Houston Dynamo
While Dynamo sit three places above the Whitecaps, the home side appear to be on an upward trajectory. With that in mind, we are backing the Whitecaps to prevail by the odd goal in three, building on their impressive win from the weekend.
Top tip
Data Analysis
Our analysis of all available data, including recent performances and player stats up until an hour before kickoff, suggested the most likely outcome of this match was a Vancouver Whitecaps win with a probability of 38.71%. A win for Houston Dynamo had a probability of 34.5% and a draw had a probability of 26.8%.
The most likely scoreline for a Vancouver Whitecaps win was 1-0 with a probability of 10.42%. The next most likely scorelines for that outcome were 2-1 (8.34%) and 2-0 (6.83%). The likeliest Houston Dynamo win was 0-1 (9.72%), while for a drawn scoreline it was 1-1 (12.73%). The actual scoreline of 0-0 was predicted with a 8% likelihood.
