In Thursday’s only MLS game, the Portland Timbers (4 wins, 5 losses, 1 draw) visit Austin FC (2-5-4) at Q2 Stadium. Kickoff is set for 9:30 p.m. ET. Below, we preview the Portland Timbers vs. Austin FC odds and lines, and make our best MLS bets, picks and predictions.
The Timbers enter this game seventh in the Western Conference, but they have not played well away from Providence Park, having lost 3 of their 5 road games.
As for Austin, it has played 11 matches but just two of those were at home and it tied both. Scoring has been the second-year club’s major problem, with just 6 goals through 11 matches.
Against a lacking Portland backline, Austin might be able to get something going, but I wouldn’t bet on it.
Portland Timbers at Austin FC: Odds, picks and predictions
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:15 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Portland Timbers +230 (bet $100 to win $230) | Austin FC +110 (bet $100 to win $110) | Draw +230
- Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -125 | U: -105)
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Prediction
Portland Timbers 1, Austin FC 1
Money line (ML)
Neither team can be trusted to get the win, so if anything, bet on the DRAW (+230). After all, the only two games Austin FC has played at Q2 Stadium ended in draws.
Since Portland returned from the international break, it has gone 1-1-1, playing only teams ahead of it in the standings. Unless 29-year-old F Dairon Asprilla can get going, I don’t see either side doing much damage.
Austin, who doesn’t have much firepower on its roster, is coming off a 0-0 draw with the Columbus Crew at home. Expect a slow slugfest in this once. Austin FC has just 2 wins on the season and hasn’t proven to be much better at home.
Slightly lean to the Draw, but look to the total for the best value.
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Over/Under (O/U)
BET on the UNDER 2.5 (-105) as the best value this game has to offer. Portland has allowed 15 goals through 10 games and Austin has allowed 11 goals in 11 games.
While the Timbers concede at a higher rate, Austin FC can’t capitalize, especially at home. Its 43 shots on target this season rank in the league’s top half, but Austin has just 6 goals, which is by far the lowest total in the Western Conference.
Austin and Chicago are the only teams in MLS with fewer than 9 goals. It’s been a pitiful display on offense, and there’s no reason to think it changes Thursday. Austin FC has yet to score a goal at home this season.
Portland has scored 4 goals in three games since the international break. I’d expect a 1-1 game, but 0-0 or 1-0 doesn’t seem too out of the question.
Either way, bet the UNDER 2.5 (-105).
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