Forge FC vs Valour FC Prediction, Odds and Betting Tips 27/04/2024

Odds via Tonybet

Forge FC vs Valour FC. Shape of the Teams

Facing off against Forge FC is a daunting task for most teams in the Canadian Premier League. The Hamilton-based team has been the big revelation since the CPL kicked off in 2019. With the exception of one season, they have consistently clinched the title.

Their premature exit from the CONCACAF Champions Cup at the hands of Guadalajara means that they will be fully focused on the domestic league. And this spells trouble for their CPL rivals.

So far, Forge FC has shown no signs of slowing down. After a modest win against Cavalry (2-1), they crushed York with a 3-0 victory, notching up five goals and conceding just once. The only team that comes close to that record is Vancouver, boasting a 6:1 goal tally.

Valour FC, in stark contrast, has struggled due to a lack of investment in strengthening their squad. They are languishing at the other end of the spectrum, having netted just one goal while leaking six. It almost feels cruel they have to travel to Forge in the next match. 

Over their last ten games, Valour has managed only two victories – a narrow 1-0 against Ottawa and a 3-1 win over York United, who were down by two players. Valour’s thin squad depth compared to the rest of the league could severely impact their season, which already looks bleak. 

Forge FC vs Valour FC Main Match Info

• Date and Kickoff Time: Sunday,  April 27, 3:00 PM EDT
• Stadium: Tim Hortons Field
• Location: Hamilton, Canada
• Last match: Valour FC vs Forge FC, 2-3 (September 17, 2023, Canadian Premier League)

Forge FC vs Valour FC, Prediction, Odds

• Pick: Forge FC to win
• Odds: -209 (Tonybet)

Betting odds heavily favour Forge, and it’s no shock to fervent CPL followers. As perennial favourites since the league’s inception, we can expect Forge FC to run rampant against Valour. 

Valour FC usually builds up in a three-at-the-back formation, which, while less common than the traditional four-at-the-back, tends to expose them on the flanks. This setup becomes problematic against skilled forwards, as Valour struggles to maintain defensive solidity, particularly in 1v1 situations out wide against more formidable opponents.

Terran Campbell might not have had a great campaign thus far, but his teammates have stepped up. David Choinere has been a constant menace, supported by Borges in the middle. Even though Forge could have continued their relentless assault against York United, they showed tactical flexibility by occasionally slowing the game to control the tempo before hitting the opponent again. 

Forge FC knows that an offensive quartet works against their opposition in Canada, pinning most of the teams down. With the available spatial control, it is easy to exploit the gaps against a struggling opponent.

As the league frontrunners, Forge has become used to fighting against fearful opponents. Valour’s best counter-strategy might be to adopt a high-press approach to disrupt Forge’s rhythm and force them into less familiar play patterns. 

Although this is a risky approach that could very well backfire, it could provide a tactical shift that could unsettle Forge. It has become clear that most teams do not have the firepower to defend against Forge bombing up and down the wings due to their superior quality. 

Kyle Bekker is a player who is not often talked about. The team captain is known for his exceptional ball-retention skills and often achieves pass completion rates above 90%. In many ways, Bekker “unlocks” the team in transitions, which makes him an element Valour should look to target. Double pivots tend to be rigid, and exploiting the lanes between the two pivots has often proved to be very effective.

Forge FC vs Valour FC Betting Tip

• Pick: Terran Campbell to score a goal
• Odds: TBC (Tonybet) 

While Terran Campbell hasn’t hit his stride early this season, this game should be the perfect game to get him more involved in the attack. Given the three-at-the-back system, Forge’s offensive quartet can easily isolate the wide-center backs. 

Getting Campbell firing on all cylinders early in the season would allow Forge to take a considerable advance over their opponents, especially as they gear up for the game against Vancouver. 

Against defenders that lack confidence, this match offers the perfect stage for Campbell to open his account and possibly rack up several goals.

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