Leagues Cup Round of 32 action begins this week as Vancouver Whitecaps play host to Liga MX’s Pumas UNAM at BC Place.

The Whitecaps secured their place in the knockout stage of Leagues Cup after picking up three points against Club Tijuana and a penalty shootout win over Western Conference foes LAFC. Not many predicted Vancouver to finish atop West Group 7, but Vanni Sartini’s team escaped from the group unscathed.

Pumas, on the other hand, began their Leagues Cup campaign with a 3-2 defeat to MLS club Austin FC. However, the Mexican outfit rebounded against rivals Monterrey, winning 1-1 (3-0 on penalties) to secure their place in the Round of 32 along with Austin in West Group 1.

Here’s 90min‘s guide to the Whitecaps vs Pumas.

This will be the first meeting between Vancouver Whitecaps and Pumas UNAM.

Current form (all competitions)

All Leagues Cup 2024 matches will be streamed on MLS Season Pass for all subscribers.

Vancouver will be without defender Tristan Blackmon as he’s dealing with a groin injury and is expected to return later this month.

Vancouver Whitecaps predicted lineup vs Pumas UNAM ( 3-4-3 ): Takaoka; Laborda, Halbouni, Utvik; Berhalter, Cubas, Vite, Ahmed; Picault, White, Gauld.

There are no new injury concerns in the Pumas camp.

Pumas UNAM predicted lineup vs Vancouver Whitecaps ( 4-2-3-1 ): Gonzalez; Bennevendo, Nathan, Duarte, Magallan; Rivas, Caicedo; Ruvalcaba, Pussetto, Huerta; Martinez.

As many didn’t think Vancouver would top their group, it wouldn’t be unreasonable to think that many also believe they don’t stand a chance against Pumas.

However, Vancouver will prove the doubters wrong once again with a narrow victory thanks to goals from Fabrice ‘Fafa’ Picault and Brian White to reach the Round of 16. Pumas will make things difficult, but Vancouver have a little more quality overall in the final third to edge out the Mexican club at home.

Prediction: Vancouver Whitecaps 2-1 Pumas UNAM