Real Salt Lake vs Vancouver Whitecaps Prediction, Picks & Odds

How to Watch Real Salt Lake vs Vancouver Whitecaps

With the international break now in the past for MLS clubs, what did we learn about RSL and the Whitecaps before the pause in play?

For the Whitecaps, their dull start to the 2021 season probably isn’t much of a shock for media and fans.

There were worries about their roster and counter-attacking approach, and although they’ve salvaged a couple of wins, Vancouver should feel lucky that they haven’t allowed more than nine goals.

RSL, on the other hand, seem to be exceeding some expectations.

Arguably on the same level of the Whitecaps before the season started, RSL have only lost one of their first six matches.

Most importantly, they’ve also looked clinical in front of the net thanks to a new signing.

RSL’s Secret Weapon: Rubio Rubin

There was some intrigue when RSL signed Rubio Rubin earlier this year, but it would be a stretch to say that it made headlines.

In a year that included blockbuster additions through Alexandre Pato, Cecilio Dominguez, Brenner, Tomas Pochettino, and several others, Rubin’s inclusion didn’t make as big of a splash.

And yet, by the end of the season, he might be the one with more of an impact.

Since his MLS debut in April, Rubin has amassed four goals and two assists in just six games for RSL.

The striker has been nothing short of incredible, and odds are, he’ll be involved in the build-up or scoring of another goal this week.

When Will Lucas Cavallini Step Up For Vancouver?

Speaking of strikers, things haven’t exactly gone to plan for Vancouver’s Lucas Cavallini.

The Canadian hasn’t scored since his first game of the season, and as for assists, he also only has one to his name for 2021.

With the anticipation that he would develop into one of the top forwards in MLS, Cavallini’s short time in the league since 2020 has been somewhat of a disappointment.

And unfortunately for the Whitecaps, outside of Cristian Dájome, they don’t seem to have very many answers for their languishing frontline.

A New Marquee Player Could Debut For RSL This Week

Let’s say that Rubin struggles for RSL this week. His hot streak ends, and with that, so could the hopes of his team claiming a win, right?

Perhaps not.

According to reports, new signing Bobby Wood could be ready to make his debut for RSL this Friday.

With a career that has taken him across Europe and garnered 45 appearances for the U.S. men’s national team, the 28-year-old will have an immense amount to offer for RSL’s attack this season.

And by Friday, he might even have a chance to take the field.