David Flower
Dailysports's expert
Portland Timbers
LA Galaxy
One of the regular season MLS matches will be played on Thursday at "Jeld-Wen Field," where Portland Timbers will host Los Angeles Galaxy. Here’s a match preview and prediction from the Dailysports expert team.
Portland Timbers
The "Timbers" are in the midst of a playoff race, currently sitting in 9th place in the Western Conference standings. With 40 points from 28 matches, they are five points behind Minnesota, which occupies the ninth spot.
In their last match, Portland played away against Colorado Rapids and suffered a 1-2 defeat. This loss marked their second in the last four games. However, the Timbers have been strong at home, losing just twice in 14 matches while securing eight wins.
Los Angeles Galaxy
The "Galaxy" have been one of the surprises of the current MLS season, sitting at the top of the standings, seven points ahead of city rivals Los Angeles FC. It's worth noting that Galaxy have played two more matches than their closest competitor.
In their most recent game, LA Galaxy hosted and defeated LAFC 4-2. In their 14 away matches this season, Galaxy have won five times and lost five times. Notably, they've experienced three defeats in their last five away fixtures.
Match Facts
- Both teams have scored in 4 of their last 5 head-to-head meetings.
- The "Total Over 2.5" bet has hit in 3 of the last 5 encounters.
- In 4 of Portland's last 5 matches, the "Total Over 2.5" bet has also been successful.
H2H
Last season, LA Galaxy won their home game 3-2, while the away match ended in a 3-3 draw. In their last five meetings at "Jeld-Wen Field," each team has won twice.
Probable Lineups
- Portland Timbers: Crepeau, Mosquera, Araujo, Zuparic, Miller, Ayala, Chara, Moreno, Evander, Antony, Rodriguez.
- Los Angeles Galaxy: McCarthy, Nelson, Yoshida, Neal, Yamane, Puig, Cerrillo, Reuss, Fagundez, Joveljic, Gabriel Rios.
Prediction
Bookmakers slightly favor the home team, with odds for a Portland victory at 2.12. We suggest taking "Portland Timbers win with a handicap (0)" at odds of 1.60, as the Timbers have been solid at home this season.
