If you’re in search of narratives that confirm the Washington Spirit’s inevitable triumph this year, your quest will be swiftly fulfilled. This 2021 NWSL Championship preview presents numerous storylines that substantiate this belief.
Virginia and Washington, DC, legal sportsbooks have portrayed Washington as the frontrunner on Saturday as they strive for a victory that would secure the league’s ultimate prize.
Simultaneously, the plotline that the Spirit’s adversary desires is precisely that.
2021 NWSL Championship preview: Catch the Spirit
There are several justifications for favoring Washington for the upcoming NWSL Championship this weekend. By the way, the match will commence at noon on CBS. Both teams will face off in Louisville for the final game. For those attending the match and seeking betting options, it might be helpful to refer to this NWSL betting guide.
The Spirit enters the game with the advantage of being the higher seed and having a healthier lineup. Furthermore, Washington has been on an impressive winning streak of eight matches. If we exclude two forfeits due to COVID-related issues, the Spirit has maintained an impressive record of 8-0-3 in their past 11 games.
The Chicago Red Stars are dealing with considerable absences as they prepare to face their opponent on Saturday. It is expected that Chicago will take the field without key players from their team.
- Top keeper
- Top two attackers
- A rear-positioned anchor.
- Player with limited playing time on the defensive line.
Washington undoubtedly comes into the game with a greater number of accolades from the season. The NWSL recently declared Trinity Rodman as the Rookie of the Year for 2021, and shortly after, Aubrey Bledsoe was recognized as the Keeper of the Year.
Considering Ashley Hatch has already secured the Golden Boot this season, the Red Stars can only boast Sarah Gorden’s inclusion in the NWSL Best XI as their most notable league accomplishment. Given these factors, it is reasonable to believe that a Spirit victory could be the more favored outcome on the 3-way moneyline, wouldn’t you agree?
| Sportsbook | Washington Spirit to win | Draw | Chicago Red Stars to win |
|---|---|---|---|
| BetMGM Sportsbook | +150 | +195 | +160 |
| BetRivers Sportsbook | +150 | +200 | +160 |
| Caesars Sportsbook | +160 | +190 | +175 |
| DraftKings Sportsbook | +170 | +210 | +185 |
| Unibet Sportsbook | +150 | +200 | +160 |
While it’s acceptable to maintain that viewpoint, it appears that sportsbooks in DC and VA have learned their lesson after underestimating Chicago. The Red Stars have proven them wrong.
Chicago comes in with equal momentum
The story of Chicago’s 2021 season resembles a clichéd yet inspiring sports movie script. Throughout the entire season, the Red Stars have been missing midfielder Julie Ertz, who sustained an injury during the team’s first regular-season match.
Chicago’s star goalkeeper, Alyssa Naeher, has been absent from the team’s goal since prior to the Olympic break. Despite her absence, the Red Stars managed to secure important victories in the regular season finale, as well as the playoff quarterfinal and semifinal matches, all without the presence of defender Casey Krueger.
Chicago found out prior to the semifinal game against the highly ranked Portland Thorns FC that their star forward, Mal Pugh, would not be available due to COVID-19 protocols. Additionally, defender Kayla Sharples would also be absent from the match against Portland for the same reason.
Kealia Watt, the Red Stars’ other top attacker, was lost to injury twenty-nine minutes into the match.
How did they react? They managed to score two goals on the road against the team that holds the record for the least number of goals allowed in a regular season.
Chicago has not suffered a defeat in over a month and five matches. The Stars, on the other hand, have an impressive record of 7 wins, 1 loss, and 3 draws in their last 11 matches. This team has reached their third consecutive title match and holds the record for the longest active playoff streak in the league, having qualified for the playoffs for six consecutive seasons.
The clash of narratives in this match is as intense as the clash between the clubs themselves. It’s difficult to measure storylines when it comes to betting, so it’s crucial to consider the quantifiable factors when deciding to bet on Saturday’s NWSL match.
Chicago’s staunch midfield, backline vs. Washington’s dynamic attack
This game represents a timeless battle between two teams with contrasting strengths. Despite Krueger’s absence, the Red Stars possess formidable assets in their ability to dominate play beyond the offensive zone. Arin Wright consistently reinforces Chicago’s defensive line, amplifying their prowess, despite the team’s official formation being a 3-4-2-1.
However, Hatch and Rodman form a remarkably powerful offensive duo in the league. Consequently, the team that can take advantage of the limited chances it receives in the opposing areas will emerge victorious in this match.
Throughout the season, Chicago has displayed a strong inclination towards seizing opportunities when it comes to scoring goals. This tendency will become even more prominent in the absence of Watt. However, it seems that Pugh will still be able to participate in the game.
In terms of offensive statistics, Washington holds the upper hand. For instance, they have registered 22 additional shots and 14 more shots on goal compared to their opponents. On the other hand, Chicago enjoys a greater advantage in corner kicks, attempting 61 more than the Spirit.
If Washington manages to prevent the Red Stars from having many opportunities, Bledsoe’s experience and talent will be enough to keep Chicago from scoring. In that case, the Spirit will only need to find one opening in the Red Stars’ defense to secure the winning goal.
DC and VA sportsbooks are relying on this fact. It’s difficult to criticize this discovery for multiple reasons, as explained in our 2021 NWSL Championship preview above.
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