This Saturday night, the MLS regular season features a match at Providence Park in Portland, where the Portland Timbers will face the New York Red Bulls. With both teams focused on playoff chances, I’m looking at a bet on goals for this game.
Match preview
The Timbers are struggling, having not won in their last four MLS matches. Recently, they drew twice—0-0 against San Diego and 1-1 with Minnesota. While their defense has shown improvement, their attack remains weak. Young Venezuelan striker Kevin Kelsy, who has scored seven goals this season, is crucial for them to secure these important points.
Currently sitting mid-table in the Western Conference, the Timbers need a strong home performance to boost their playoff aspirations. A victory is vital as the competition is tight, and they cannot afford to drop points. Despite their recent challenges, this team has the ability to bounce back at home.
On the other hand, the Red Bulls have struggled to find consistency, alternating between wins, draws, and losses. They recently won against Real Salt Lake and Philadelphia but lost 0-1 to Charlotte and drew 0-0 with Columbus. Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, with 15 goals, stands out as a significant threat in their attack.
New York tends to play cautiously on the road, focusing on solid defense and midfield control. They are currently in 10th place in the Eastern Conference and risk falling out of playoff contention. Against a Portland team that has been inconsistent, they have a good opportunity to earn points, especially with a strong striker like Choupo-Moting.
Probable lineups
- Portland Timbers: Pantemis, Mosquera, Surman, Zuparic, Fory, Carvalho, Ayala, Alves Santos, Velde, Kelsy, Rojas
- New York Red Bulls: Coronel, Edwards, Eyile, S. Nealis, D. Nealis, Sofo, Forsberg, Edelman, Stroud, Carmona, Choupo-Moting
Match facts and head-to-head
- The Red Bulls have not lost in their last two matches against Portland (one win, one draw).
- In their last five encounters, there were fewer than 2.5 goals in four of them.
- Portland has secured just one victory in their last six matches across all competitions.
Prediction
It’s difficult to identify a clear favorite, but Portland’s home advantage and the urgency of the playoff race slightly favor them. However, the Red Bulls are experienced travelers with potent attackers. Anticipate a close, low-scoring match, with a small advantage for Portland. My prediction: Portland Timbers to win with a (0) handicap at odds of 1.60.