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Vancouver Whitecaps vs Tigres UANL Predictions on February 7

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MLS: Leagues Cup-Club Tigres at Vancouver Whitecaps FC on August 4, 2023

The Vancouver Whitecaps (temporarily known as the Vancouver Island Whitecaps FC) vs Tigres UANL game will be the fourth game between the two teams. Both teams faced each other in the competition when it was called the Concacaf Champions League.

Vancouver Whitecaps vs Tigres UANL at Starlight Stadium

Vancouver Whitecaps FC (0-1-4)

The Vancouver Whitecaps FC are not in good form. In pre-season, they have only earned themselves one point in their last four games. They just earned that point on Tuesday, January 30, when they drew 1-1 against FK Haugesund.

However, there is some optimism of the Whitecaps improving as their Concacaf Champions Cup campaign is set to kick off (source: Vancouver Whitecaps FC). This is what Vanni Sartini said about the game against Tigres:

“I think we’ll know. Yeah, next week, I think we’re getting ready. We’re better than, of course three weeks ago when we started. But, uh, as you said before, we, we are in the preparation phase.”

The game coming up against Tigres will be the first competitive game for the squad this year after a series of pre-season games. The last competitive game they had was a loss against Los Angeles FC in the MLS Cup Playoffs at BC Place. It will be a tough game for the Whitecaps, but one they will surely be up for.

READ MORE: Three Takeaways: Whitecaps Win The Voyageurs Cup

The Whitecaps made the 2024 Concacaf Champions League by winning the Voyageurs Cup with a home victory against CF Montréal at BC Place.

Tigres UANL (3-2-0)

Tigres UANL has not lost a game in their last five games. However, the slight concern with the team is that they are winless in their last two games. This included a 2-2 draw against Pumas UNAM, where they were unable to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Pumas UNAM. They also won some important games though, including a game-winning goal scored by Juan Brunetta against San Luis.

They are still a team to be reckoned with as they made the final of the Liga MX competition back in December. They also made this edition of the Concacaf Champions Cup by winning the Liga MX Clausura championship in 2023 with a win over Guadalajara.

Previous Meetings Between the Two Teams

These teams have some history in the Concacaf Champions Cup when it was known as the Concacaf Champions League back in the semi-finals stage of 2017. In those two games, Tigres won at home 2-0, before winning again in a 2-1 victory over the Whitecaps.

The last meeting was actually at the Leagues Cup last year, when Tigres again came out victorious, but this time in a penalty-shootout against Vancouver. The ‘Caps have yet to beat Tigres in a competitive match.

Players to Watch for Both Teams

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Brian White is a player Tigres will probably scout thoroughly as the game on Wednesday approaches. He has a knack for scoring goals with 15 scored in MLS play and has also dished out five assists for his club last year. White has also played well with Ryan Gauld, who also had a fantastic MLS season with 11 goals and 12 assists. This is what White said about the partnership with Gauld last year (source: transfermarkt):

“I’m not really sure that’s something I could put a finger on,” White said when asked about his chemistry with Gauld after the DC United game . “I think ever since we started playing together in 2021, I think we’ve had “this good connection on and off the field. We just have a good run of form right now, and it’s just opening goals and helping the team, and hopefully, we can continue on this pattern of play.”

This is while Nicolás Ibáñez will be a player for Vancouver to watch as he scored two goals in Tigres’ last game in Liga MX. There is also the ever dangerous André-Pierre Gignac, who has already scored 12 goals in 18 games in league competition play for Tigres this year.

Predictions and How To Watch The Game

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PREDICTIONS: Vancouver Whitecaps FC 0 – Tigres UANL 1

Even at Starlight Stadium, expect a close game between the two. Starlight Stadium might also be a different type of stadium that Tigres are not used to play. However, the Whitecaps are in pre-season mode and have not won a game in their last eight games. Also, Tigres is an elite Liga MX side and they will show their quality in Greater Victoria on Wednesday.

Fans can watch the game between the two sides at 10:00 PM ET and it will be shown live on OneSoccer and it will also be shown on Telus and FuboTV.

 

Photo Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports, of a Diego Lainez Headshot and a Brian White Headshot, on August 4, 2023.

The post Vancouver Whitecaps vs Tigres UANL Predictions on February 7 appeared first on Last Word On Soccer.