Toronto - Whitecaps Betting Preview: Back an away win and a clean sheet for Vancouver

Jul 11, 2012 10:10:00 AM

TFC's brief revival under Paul Mariner came to an end last time out and Adam Bate expects the Whitecaps to add to their problems when the Canadian sides clash

Toronto, bottom of the Eastern Conference, looked to have turned the corner after going four games unbeaten prior to last weekend's trip to Philadelphia.

But a convincing 3-0 defeat may have dented their confidence ahead of this all-Canadian clash with Vancouver Whitecaps.

Even so, TFC coach Paul Mariner is still clinging to the positives - pointing to their 10 shots on goal in that game. Maybe the visit of their rivals will bring the best out of Toronto.

You can back the home side to win at 5/4 (2.25) with Sportingbet.

Vancouver are well in the mix in the Western Conference, lying level on points with third-placed Seattle Sounders with a game in hand.

The Whitecaps, bolstered by the arrival of Scotland international Barry Robson, have improved and only the star-studded LA Galaxy have beaten them in the last eight games.

The Whitecaps are 21/10 (3.1) to pick up an away win in this one. The draw is available at 9/4 (3.25).

Despite the Whitecaps' superior form of late, Toronto did beat Vancouver in the Canadian Championship in May. But that should only serve to make the visitors even more determined to settle the score here.

Moreover, TFC have picked up just two clean sheets in 17 league games. Factor in their significant injury problems at the back and everything points to a Vancouver win.

While that is the pick of the bets, for the value bet consider the Whitecaps' miserly defence.

To manage five clean sheets in nine games away from home is hugely impressive and indicates they are more than capable of denying a struggling Toronto.

And yet, they are 14/5 (3.8) to shut out the Eastern Conference's bottom team.

That's a fantastic price against a side that has failed to score in half of their home games this season and represents the clear value pick in this one.

BET

OF THE

DAY

BEST BET

VALUE BET

Whitecaps to win at 21/10 (3.1) with Sportingbet

Whitecaps clean sheet at 14/5 (3.8) with Sportingbet

Sign up with Sportingbet now for a risk-free 1st bet and double rewards points for winning 1st bets

Adam Bate is a professional freelance journalist who specialises in football and betting. He is editor of GhostGoal which can be found here - you can also follow Adam on

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