These two Canadian sides have had sharply contrasting starts to the new season, with Vancouver winning four of their first five outings while Toronto have fallen to defeat in four of their first five games of the campaign.
Even this early in the season, the home team will be desperate to stop the rot by picking up a positive result against their rivals, while the away side will be looking to bounce back from a 3-1 defeat to Chicago Fire last time out.
- VANCOUVER WHITECAPS TO WIN
- DANIEL RIOS TO SCORE AT ANY TIME
- THEO CORBEANU TO HAVE THREE OR MORE SHOTS
Visitors Fancied In Derby Clash
Historically, Toronto FC have been more successful than their Canadian rivals, the Vancouver Whitecaps, but things have started to change in recent seasons.
The Caps reached the play-offs last season and, while they did lose in the first round to Los Angeles FC, that gave them a good platform on which to build for this campaign.
Jesper Sorensen’s men have started strongly, winning their first four games of the season, netting nine goals in the process and conceding just twice.
They did come back down to earth with a bump against Chicago last time out but they should be able to bounce straight back against a struggling Toronto team.
After an opening day draw against D.C. United, the Reds have lost four games on the spin, conceding 12 goals along the way.
Their record against these opponents also leaves plenty to be desired, they have not won any of the last eight meetings between these two and Vancouver should be able to pick up the road win to deepen Toronto’s woes.
VANCOUVER WHITECAPS TO WIN
Rios Key For Caps
Daniel Rios was one of the Vancouver Whitecaps’ offseason acquisitions and he has already got his first goal for the club, netting in their 3-1 defeat to Chicago last time out.
With star man Ryan Gauld injured, the rest of this Caps team will have to step up and produce attacking returns.
Rios is a veteran of the MLS and netted eight goals in 17 starts for Atlanta last season so looks a solid selection to get on the scoresheet for the visitors.
DANIEL RIOS TO SCORE AT ANY TIME
Corbeanu Not Afraid To Shoot
Theo Corbenau has had an interesting career for just a 22-year-old so far but he will be hoping to nail down a solid run in a team since signing for Toronto in the offseason.
One thing that has been a constant throughout the Canadian’s career is his willingness to shoot. He has averaged over two shots per 90 minutes in every season he has played and is fancied to have three or more attempts in this game.
THEO CORBEANU TO HAVE THREE OR MORE SHOTS
