Top Meets Tense: The Whitecaps Face St. Louis in Battle of Attack vs Defence - Vancouver Whitecaps vs St. Louis SC Pre-Match Thoughts

The top of the league Vancouver Whitecaps are travelling to St. Louis for an away day, versus St. Louis SC. This is the first of three matches in nine days for Vancouver, two MLS matches against St. Louis and Minnesota sandwiching a crucial Champions Cup Semi-Finals versus Miami. Vancouver looks to maintain being atop of the Supporters Shield standings, with Columbus creeping up on Vancouver. Meanwhile, the match next Sunday, after the matchup with Messi and Miami, is against the current second seed in the Western Conference, Minnesota United.

Taking a glance over at St. Louis, they currently sit 12th in the West, but only sitting 2 points out of a playoff position. St. Louis has had the tied best defence so far this season, only allowing six goals in eight games. That will be an interesting testament for both Vancouver and St. Louis, the prolific, lead-leading attack of Vancouver will be tested by a very good St. Louis defence. However, things aren't so bright on the offensive side, being the worst in the West.

Although, there is bad news for the defence of St. Louis, as star veteran goalkeeper Roman Burki is out due to injury. Meaning backup Benjamin Lundt will most likely be in charge of defending the goal. The last time Lundt tended the net against Vancouver, Brian White scored a hat-trick, which included a splendid scorpion goal.

The Whitecaps have had an unblemished record when facing Western Conference foes this season. Beating Portland, L.A Galaxy, Dallas, Colorado and Austin. Vancouver have also had an unbeaten record on the road in MLS play, only dropping points when playing Toronto on March 22nd. Vancouver will look to extend their unbeaten road streak to six games in all competitions, and four in MLS play.

Turning the page to St. Louis, they have lost four straight. After starting the season four-games unbeaten, St. Louis has fallen back to mediocrity. Last Saturday, they played a red-hot Columbus Crew side. That resulted in a competitive 2-1 defeat to the Crew, where Columbus had 68% possession. St. Louis head coach Olof Mellberg opts to play a 3 at the back, varying the formation from a 3-4-2-1, 3-4-3 and 3-5-2. This indicates that Vancouver will have plenty of room on the wings, playing with width being a priority for the ‘Caps in this matchup.

No player on St. Louis has scored more than a goal so far this season. The players who have a goal in their account include Hartel, Teuchert, Löwen, Klauss and former Whitecap, Simon Becher. Marcel Hartel being the most productive thus far, having attempted 16 shots and 7 shots on target for St. Louis. Simon Becher would be excited to play against his former club, hoping to add to his goal tally. Becher scored eight goals for Vancouver in 26 appearances for the club.

Vancouver holds a 3-1-0 edge in head-to-head matchups against St. Louis. The Whitecaps have had their number in these early seasons of the franchise, including a 4-1 win at Energizer Park and a 4-3 at BC Place in their last two meetings. It's also worth mentioning that Brian White has seven goals in Vancouver's battles with St. Louis since they have been established as a franchise.

This looks to be an intriguing fifth clash between these two franchises. The Whitecaps would anticipate testing their attack with a rock solid St. Louis defence. Even though Vancouver opened up Austin FC with ease last weekend, this is a different test. I predict that Vancouver will continue rolling and pull out a 2-0 victory at Energizer Park, to sustain top of the league.