The Portland Timbers (5 wins, 6 losses, 1 draw) host Los Angeles FC (6-4-3) Wednesday at Providence Park. Kickoff is set for 10:30 p.m. ET. Below, we preview the Los Angeles FC vs. Portland Timbers odds and lines, and make our best MLS bets, picks and predictions.
With F Carlos Vela back in the lineup, Los Angeles FC will be looking to climb back up the Western Conference standings. The dynamic offensive duo of Vela and F Diego Rossi have consistently been too much for opponents. LAFC has won three straight matches and four of its last five.
The Timbers are barely hanging on to the last spot in the Western Conference playoff picture. Portland has won four of six matches at home; however, it’ll be without USMNT MF Eryk Williamson who has nine starts on the season.
Los Angeles FC at Portland Timbers: Odds, picks and predictions
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 2:40 p.m. ET.
- Money line: Los Angeles FC -115 (bet $115 to win $100) | Portland Timbers +240 (bet $100 to win $240) | Draw +300
- Over/Under: 2.5 (O: +120 | U: -160)
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Prediction
Los Angeles FC 3, Portland Timbers 1
Money line (ML)
BET on LOS ANGELES FC (-115) as the more time Vela gets under his belt the more LAFC will dominate.
The star forward has played all 90 minutes four times this season, and LAFC won three of those games, including each of the last three coming into Wednesday.
Combine his presence with the loss of a key midfielder for Portland, and I think the -115 for LAFC presents great value. Also, Portland lost two of its last three games, both to teams outside of the top five in the Western Conference.
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Over/Under (O/U)
“LEAN” on the OVER 3.5 (+120) as the plus-money value is enticing.
Vela and Rossi should both take the pitch, and they create a dynamic attacking duo.
It’s tough to judge LAFC’s 17 goals through 13 matches as it hasn’t had a fully healthy Vela for most of the season, but Los Angeles hit the Over in two of its last four games.
Portland’s track record is a bit better, as the Over hit in five of its last seven games. Portland has just 15 goals through 12 games, though. It’s the defense, having allowed 19 goals on the season, that’s the problem.
If Portland can get on the board, the Over should hit. With four home wins, the Timbers are clearly more comfortable offensively in their home stadium.
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