Vancouver Whitecaps vs Charlotte FC Prediction, Odds and Betting Tips 03/03/2024

Odds via Tonybet

Vancouver vs Charlotte prediction	March 3rd, 2024, 5:30 PM ET
Vancouver odds	-114
Charlotte odds	+260
Draw	+270
Over\Under	3 +112/ -156

Vancouver Whitecaps vs Charlotte FC Shape of the Teams

The Vancouver Whitecaps will kick off their 2024 MLS season on Saturday, hosting Charlotte FC for the second time in club history. While Vancouver comes off a disappointing playoff exit in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, Charlotte enters the match brimming with confidence after securing a win in their season opener.

A night of 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙨 and 𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙨 🌃#ForTheCrown
— Charlotte FC (@CharlotteFC) February 26, 2024

Despite showcasing some real upside towards the end of the 2023 season, Vancouver remains haunted by their inability to win big games. This includes their recent exit from the CONCACAF Champions Cup and their playoff loss to LAFC. For some reason, Vancouver just can’t get it together when it matters.

Whitecap’s Last Five Matches

17\02\2024, San Jose Earthquakes vs Vancouver Whitecaps 1-1 – Friendly
14\02\2024, Tigres UANL vs Vancouver Whitecaps 3-0 – CONCACAF Champions Cup
07\02\2024, Vancouver Whitecaps vs Tigres UANL 1-1 – CONCACAF Champions Cup
30\01\2024, Vancouver Whitecaps vs Haugesund 1-1 – Friendly
27\01\2024, Vancouver Whitecaps vs Backa Topola 1-2 – Friendly

Even Vancouver’s friendly games in the 2024 pre-season haven’t shown much promise, just barely snagging a narrow 0-1 victory against the Hungarian Diósgyőri back in January. Other than that win, they have strictly lost or drawn every match since.

So far this year, Vancouver’s attack has been inconsistent, to say the least, with a lack of cohesion overall. Defensively, they’ve also been quite leaky, conceding at least one goal in almost every pre-season match aside from the aforementioned dub against Diosgyori.

Head Coach Vanni Sartini will also be suspended for the first six games, leaving the team under the temporary leadership of his staff. While historically, Vancouver hasn’t fared well in season openers, this year has been even worse than usual.

Charlotte, under the guidance of new manager Dean Smith, got off to a winning start in their inaugural season opener, taking home a win against New York City. Not only that, they also boast an impressive unbeaten streak in their last five pre-season games, with a solid defensive record.

However, they haven’t enjoyed much success playing away against Western Conference opponents thus far.

Charlotte’s Last Five Matches

24\02\2024, Charlotte vs New York City 1-0 – MLS
17\02\2024, Minnesota United vs Charlotte 0-0 – Friendly
10\02\2024, Charlotte vs San Jose Earthquakes 1-0 – Friendly
07\02\2024, Los Angeles Galaxy vs Charlotte 0-3 – Friendly
26\01\2024, Sporting KC vs Charlotte 3-3 – Friendly

Coach Christian Lattanzio has instilled a clear attacking philosophy, and the team is playing with a lot of confidence. Adilson Malanda has been especially strong, scoring a set-piece goal at the Bank of America Stadium and holding it down on defence.

Vancouver Whitecaps vs Charlotte FC Main Match Info

Date and Kickoff Time: March 3rd, 2024, 5:30 PM ET
Stadium: BC Place Stadium
Location: Vancouver, Canada
Last match: Charlotte FC vs Vancouver Whitecaps 2-1 (May 22, 2022)

Vancouver Whitecaps vs Charlotte FC Prediction, Odds

Pick: Charlotte FC to win
Odds: +260 (Tonybet)

While Vancouver holds the home advantage and bookmakers are on their side, Charlotte’s recent play and organized style make them a serious threat. Their strong midfield and clinical finishing could pose a challenge for the Whitecaps’ defence.

Not only that, Ashley Westwood’s crisp passing and Kerwin Vargas’s finishing could be a handful for the Whitecaps’ shaky defence. There’s a reason Charlotte has been able to maintain a five-game unbeaten streak, including four clean sheets.

Heading north of the border. Looking to bring three points back with us.#ForTheCrown pic.twitter.com/dBe2vpRYml
— Charlotte FC (@CharlotteFC) March 1, 2024

However, Vancouver still has one of the league’s best duos in Brian White and Ryan Gauld, so you can never truly count them out. Charlotte may also have a harder time dealing with Vancouver’s attacking depth.

Overall, this match promises an exciting clash between two teams with contrasting approaches. Vancouver will be eager to prove their mettle under new leadership, while Charlotte seeks to maintain their winning momentum.

Vancouver Whitecaps vs Charlotte FC Betting Tip

Pick: Both Teams to Score – Yes
Odds: -159 (Tonybet)

While neither squad has an overwhelming offence, Vancouver and Charlotte have both been scoring consistently in their last several games. Even when losing, they tend to find the back of the net at least once.

Adding to this, the Whitecaps defence has plenty of holes, as we mentioned, conceding at least one goal in every match to go along with their scoring. Injuries to key defenders and the absence of a settled backline under a new coach raise concerns about their ability to contain Charlotte’s attack.

Kicking off our 50th Anniversary Season together ✨
Our home opener against Charlotte FC kicks-off on March 2nd at BC Place! #VWFC | #FIFTYTGTHR | @MNPdebt
— Vancouver Whitecaps FC (@WhitecapsFC) February 29, 2024

Charlotte FC, on the other hand, does boast a decent defensive record so far this year with a couple of clean sheets, but Vancouver’s attacking force isn’t to be trifled with, even if they’ve been losing.

Disclaimer: Odds are accurate at the time of posting and subject to change. Please verify the latest odds on our platform before betting.