Columbus Crew vs. Portland Timbers odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Columbus Crew vs. Portland Timbers odds and lines, with MLS picks and predictions.

The Columbus Crew (9 wins, 7 losses, 14 draws) welcome the Portland Timbers (11-8-12) to Lower.com Field Sunday. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET. Below, we preview Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Columbus Crew vs. Portland Timbers odds, and make our best MLS bets, picks and predictions.

The Crew entered the weekend in 7th place in the Eastern Conference, so they need a win to further improve their playoff position. Columbus has the New York Red Bulls, Charlotte FC and Orlando City SC still left on their schedule.

The Crew are led by M Lucas Zelarayán, who has 9 goals and 6 assists. He is the main force behind the team’s pace. A huge addition for the Crew has been F Cucho, who has 9 goals but in just 11 starts.

Portland is in a similar playoff situation as it entered the weekend. It will want to leave Ohio with 3 points to keep its postseason dreams alive. The Timbers have just LAFC and Real Salt Lake remaining.

They’re led by F Jarosław Niezgoda with 9 goals. Truly, this offense is a full team effort as 5 players have at least 6 goals. They’ve allowed 1.52 goals per game as well.

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Columbus Crew vs. Portland Timbers odds

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 2:15 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Columbus Crew -127 (bet $127 to win $100) | Portland Timbers +330 (bet $100 to win $330) | Draw +295
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -160 | U: +125)

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Prediction

Columbus Crew 2, Portland Timbers 2

Money line (ML)

LEAN DRAW (+295).

The Crew have won 6 home games and not won 9, so the value on them to win at -127 really isn’t there, especially considering the Timbers have won 4 in a row.

Similarly, the Crew have the most draws in the MLS, so they’ve played at their opponents’ level, not above or below, often this season. Portland is 3-6-6 on the road this season, so it is familiar with away draws.

The Timbers had a streak earlier in the season with 3 straight draws and 5 draws in 7 matches. The Crew are on a stretch of games right now in which they’ve drawn 5 of their last 7. They’ve also drawn 3 of their last 4 at home.

I would just play a small unit on this as it does have a lofty odds, but it’s the only way to find any value on the money line.

Over/Under (O/U)

LEAN OVER 2.5 (-160).

The value isn’t necessarily here, but the logic is. It’s a price I’d be willing to pay as well.

Portland has gone over this total in 5 of its last 6 matches. Columbus has gone over this in its last 2 home games and in 4 of its last 6 matches. With Cucho, the Crew have been a far more attack-focused side.

Columbus has scored multiple goals in 3 of its last 6 and only has 2 games without a goal since July 3. Similarly, Portland has scored in 8 of its last 9 and scored 2 or more in 3 of its last 4.

To further the point, the Timbers have just 1 clean sheet since July 9. They’ve allowed one or more expected goals in all but five gamest this season as well. I’d play it at these odds but only for a part of a unit.

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Portland Timbers vs. Colorado Rapids odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Portland Timbers vs. Colorado Rapids odds and lines, with MLS picks and predictions.

The Portland Timbers (3 wins, 6 losses, 7 draws) host the Colorado Rapids (5-6-4) at Providence Park Saturday. Kickoff is set for 10:30 p.m. ET. Below, we preview the Portland Timbers vs. Colorado Rapids odds and lines, and make our best MLS bets, picks and predictions.

Portland enters this battle 13th in the Western Conference. The Timbers are led in scoring by D Bill Tuiloma, who has 5 goals on the season.

The Timbers have lost 3 of their last 4 and only have 9 points at home in 7 home matches. Since entering the MLS in 2011, the Timbers haven’t finished outside the top 8 in the West, so this lack of success is recent.

The Rapids also haven’t been as dominant as last season, having topped the conference a year ago and now 9th. Colorado has 17 goals on the season and has allowed 18.

Colorado has struggled mightily on the road, accruing just 2 points in 7 matches. The Rapids are led in scoring by star F Diego Rubio with 7 goals. The rest of the team has 10 combined. They’re 2-3-1 in their last 6.

Check out Pro Soccer Wire: For the American soccer fan, USA TODAY Sports Media Group’s website provides a fresh look at the beautiful game.

Portland Timbers vs. Colorado Rapids odds, lines, picks and predictions

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 3:14 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Portland Timbers +122 (bet $100 to win $122) | Colorado Rapids +220 (bet $100 to win $220) | Draw +250
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -117 | U: -103)

[tipico]

Prediction

Portland Timbers 1, Colorado Rapids 1

Money line (ML)

LEAN DRAW +250.

The Timbers will enter this game with the most draws in the MLS and 3 of those 7 ties have come at home.

Portland and its opponent have been within 0.5 of each other in expected goals, so despite playing Inter Miami and LA Galaxy, they’ve played to the level of their competition.

As for the Rapids, they’ve drawn 2 of 7 road games, losing 5.

That said, both Colorado and Portland rank in the bottom half of the league in passing percentage, so they aren’t overly efficient at getting the ball up the field.

While Portland has allowed 26 goals, that shouldn’t worry bettors because Colorado has scored just 17 in 15 matches. They aren’t a very attack-heavy side outside of Rubio.

Considering how they’ve played at home and weaknesses in passing, I’d lean to the draw.

Over/Under (O/U)

BET UNDER 2.5 (-103).

The Timbers might have one of the worst defenses in the West, but they allowed 7 to Sporting KC which was a bruise to their numbers, causing them to be a bit inflated.

Portland games have gone under this total in 6 of its last 9. Colorado is a similar story, having gone under this total in 6 of its last 8.

They’ve scored just 1.13 goals per game, allowing just 1.2. The Rapids had the second-best defense in the West a season ago and still have a consistently efficient backline.

Given the form of both teams coming into this game, the Under 2.5 (-103) is my favorite bet.

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Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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Colorado Rapids vs. Portland Timbers odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Colorado Rapids vs. Portland Timbers odds and lines, with MLS picks and predictions.

The Colorado Rapids (2 wins, 3 losses, 3 draws) welcome the Portland Timbers (2-2-5) to Dick’s Sporting Goods Park Saturday. Kickoff is set for 9 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Below, we preview the Colorado Rapids vs. Portland Timbers odds and lines, and make our best MLS bets, picks and predictions.

The Rapids have unsurprisingly been far better at home. They’ve yet to lose at DSG Park, posting a 2-0-2 record, but they struggle on the road where they’re 0-3-1.

The Rapids have scored 9 goals and allowed 11 through 8 games. They’re led in scoring by 28-year-old Diego Rubio, who has 4 goals this season. They’re coming off a 0-0 draw against Charlotte FC last weekend.

Portland is 9th on the Western Conference table, just ahead of 10th-place Colorado. Portland has 10 goals and allowed 13 through 9 matches.

The Timbers are led by several players as four have scored multiple goals this season. They are coming off back-to-back 0-0 draws. The Timbers have had reasonable success on the road, posting a 1-1-2 record.

Colorado vs. Portland odds, lines, picks and predictions

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 5:01 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Colorado -140 (bet $140 to win $100) | Portland +390 (bet $100 to win $390) | Draw +280
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

[tipico]

Prediction

Colorado 2, Portland 1

Money line (ML)

PASS.

There’s no chance I’m going to bet on the side that’s lower in the standings for -140. Even given its strength at home, I still don’t like the value placed on Colorado.

I find some value in Portland or the draw, but I would prefer to give out BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE at -125.

As mentioned, Portland has played 2 straight 0-0 draws. Prior to that, both teams had scored in 4 straight games. As for Colorado, it has had both teams score in 4 of its last 5.

Both teams are among the 7 in the West that has given up double-digit goals. Expect a plethora of goals.

Over/Under (O/U)

BET OVER 2.5 (-115).

Continuing with that trend, at this value, I like the OVER 2.5 (-115).

Colorado has gone Over 2.5 goals in 4 of its 8 games this season, having topped 3.5 goals in 2 of its last 3. Portland has had this hit in 4 of 9 games but has gone Over 3.5 goals in 2 of its last 4.

Portland ranks 6th in scoring attempts and 6th in shots against. Couple those, and the game should be relatively high-scoring. Considering the trends and the weak defenses, the Over is the better play here.

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Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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MLS Cup: Portland Timbers vs. New York City FC odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s Portland Timbers vs. New York City FC odds and lines, with MLS picks and predictions.

On Saturday, New York City FC will travel to Providence Park to take on the Portland Timbers for the MLS Cup. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET. Below, we preview the Portland Timbers vs. New York City FC odds and lines, and make our best MLS bets, picks and predictions.

Obviously, being in the league final is not easy and both have had impressive stretches of play to get here. For NYCFC, they finished fourth on the Eastern Conference table.

For the playoffs, they defeated Atlanta United FC 2-0. Then, drawing top-seeded New England Revolution, NYCFC won in penalties after a 2-2 finish in extra time.

Finally, NYCFC defeated Philadelphia in Philadelphia 2-1. They’ve won two straight playoff games on the road so traveling to a soccer mecca shouldn’t be a huge challenge.

That said, Portland finished fourth in the West, scoring the second-most goals in the conference. The Timbers defeated Minnesota 3-1 then drew top-seeded Colorado, sending them home with a 1-0 loss. Portland then took down Real Salt Lake 2-1. This will be their third home playoff game.

Portland Timbers vs. New York City FC: Odds, picks and predictions

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 3:15 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Portland Timbers +165 (bet $100 to win $165) | NYCFC Y +155 (bet $100 to win $155) | Draw +225
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: +100 | U: -135)

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Prediction

Portland Timbers 2, New York City FC 2 (Portland 4-3 in penalties)

Money line (ML)

“LEAN” to the DRAW (+225). There really isn’t a bad pick on this money line as these two teams are so tightly matched. Portland’s defense should be the main concern in this one.

The Timbers also don’t have as impressive of a resume. It was assumed the Sounders and Sporting KC were the best teams in the West. Portland drew Real Salt Lake, Minnesota, and Colorado.

While NYCFC feels like the better team on paper (they had a 20 goal differential on the season compared to Portland’s four), the Timbers were 11-4-2 at home.

It’s going to be extremely difficult for NYCFC to leave with a win, let alone one in regular time. With that in mind, I’d play the DRAW (+225) for a tiny wager.

Over/Under (O/U)

BET the OVER 2.5 (+100) as the best wager. Both teams have had lethal attacks so far in the playoffs. New York City has scored 2 goals in each of their three games, allowing 3.

On the other side, Portland has averaged 2 goals per game as well. Considering both teams rode their offensive firepower into a top-four seed in their respective conference, I’d bet that happens in this one.

As noted before, Portland’s 52 goals in 34 regular-season games are also concerning enough to bet against their defense.

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

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Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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Portland vs. Real Salt Lake odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s Portland vs. Real Salt Lake odds and lines, with MLS picks and predictions.

In the MLS Western Conference Finals, the Portland Timbers face Real Salt Lake. The match will be held at Providence Park with kickoff scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET.  Below, we preview the Portland vs. Real Salt Lake odds and lines, and make our best MLS bets, picks and predictions.

The Timbers entered the MLS playoffs as the No. 4 seed in the West. They took down Minnesota United 3-1 behind two goals from M Sebastian Blanco.

The Timbers won their semi-final meeting with the Colorado Rapids 1-0 after a dramatic finish that included a 90th-minute goal and an ensuing 94th-minute red card.

Real Salt Lake has arguably an even more impressive two victories on its path.

RSL defeated Seattle in penalty kicks then toppled Sporting Kansas City 2-1. Seattle and KC were largely considered the West’s two-best teams despite ranking No. 2 and No. 3 respectively. RSL entered as the No. 7 seed.

Portland vs. Real Salt Lake: Odds, picks and predictions

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:45 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Portland -155 (bet $155 to win $100) | Real Salt Lake +400 (bet $100 to win $400) | Draw +290
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -150 | U: +112)

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Prediction

Portland 2, Real Salt Lake 1

Money line (ML)

“LEAN” to PORTLAND (-155) but keep in mind this is full-time odds.

The Timbers, throughout the season, were a fortress at Providence Park. They totaled 11 of their 17 wins in the regular season there. RSL had 10 losses in 17 road games.

The difference there is key. The Timbers are also better defensively. While RSL advanced past Seattle two games back it gave up 21 shots and didn’t generate a single shot of its own.

The difference in venue coupled with the Timbers’ more impressive playoff showings makes me more inclined to bet on them.

Over/Under (O/U)

BET on the UNDER 2.5 (+112) as both teams have had a game go under this amount in the playoffs.

In both teams’ semifinal round there were also 90th-minute goals. With RSL having just five shots on target through both games yet having given up just one goal, the Under feels like the better bet.

Also, Steve Clark, Portland’s starting goalkeeper, ranked eighth in clean sheets this season. He’s been a force between the sticks. With that in mind, at plus-money value, the Under is a good play.

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter. Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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Portland Timbers at Seattle Sounders odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Sunday’s Portland Timbers at Seattle Sounders odds and lines, with MLS picks and predictions.

In both side’s first action since the All-Star break, the Portland Timbers (24 points: 7 wins, 10 losses, 3 draws) visit the Seattle Sounders (42: 12-3-6) Sunday at Lumen Field. The match is scheduled to kick off at 10:30 p.m. ET. Below, we preview the Portland Timbers at Seattle Sounders odds and lines, and make our best MLS bets, picks and predictions.

With Seattle entering the break as the best side in the Western Conference, it will be the team to beat. However, at home, it’ll be easier said than done.

With back-to-back 80th-minute goals against the Columbus Crew prior to the break, Seattle showed its incredible attacking prowess, led by league-leading scorer F Raul Ruidiaz.

Portland will enter having struggled as of late, winning just one in its last six games. One of the six was a 6-2 loss to the Sounders, so these two teams are familiar with each other.

Portland Timbers at Seattle Sounders: Odds, picks and predictions

Odds via Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 2:58 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Seattle Sounders -170 (bet $170 to win $100) | Portland Timbers +400 (bet $100 to win $400) | Draw +320
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -155 | U: +115)

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Prediction

Sounders 3, Timbers 1

Money line (ML)

BET SOUNDERS (-170) despite their home struggles. The value actually seems pretty solid and is likely aided by the fact that their road record is better than their home one.

The Sounders just have so many weapons with F Will Bruin there as well. While they’ve scored 35 goals on the season, it’s been more about their quality defending.

They’ve given up just 17 goals in 21 games, the lowest amount in the league. With Portland having struggled as of late, expect Seattle to come out on top.

Over/Under (O/U)

BET OVER 2.5 (-155) as it has tremendous value.

The Seattle offense was absolutely unstoppable the last time it faced Portland, rolling to a 6-2 victory. As for the Timbers, four of their last six matches have had at least 4 goals.

A winning bet here only needs 3 goals, which is clearly a solid play. Add in that Portland has given up 39 goals in 20 games, and it’s likely the Over hits.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.

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Portland Timbers at LA Galaxy odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Friday’s Portland Timbers at LA Galaxy odds and lines, with MLS betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Portland Timbers (6 wins, 7 losses, 1 draw) visit the LA Galaxy (8-6-1) Friday. The match is set to kick off at 10 p.m. ET at Dignity Health Sports Park. Below, we preview the Portland Timber vs. LA Galaxy odds and lines, and make our best MLS bets, picks and predictions.

Los Angeles is coming off its most embarrassing loss of the season, dropping Saturday’s game 4-0 to FC Dallas, one of the worst teams in the Western Conference. The Galaxy have just four points through five games this month.

They’ve struggled with M Efra Alvarez, M Jonathan dos Santos, and M Sebastian Lletget still in the CONCACAF Gold Cup. Portland has just M Eryk Williamson away from the team.

While the Galaxy should get a few faces back, Portland is coming in with a major personnel advantage. The Timbers have also won two of their last three games which included a win over Los Angeles FC July 21.

Portland Timbers at LA Galaxy: Odds, picks and predictions

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:25 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Portland Timbers +240 (bet $100 to win $240) | LA Galaxy -110 (bet $110 to win $100) | Draw +275
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -175 | U: +130)

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Prediction

Portland Timbers 2, LA Galaxy 1

Money line (ML)

BET on PORTLAND TIMBERS (+240) as the best value on the money line. The Galaxy are down players and struggling recently and shouldn’t be favored, even at home.

The Galaxy are playing without dos Santos. Chicharito, who has the second-most goals in MLS, will also be sidelined due to injury. Combine those two being out, and the Galaxy attack will take a hit.

The Galaxy’s defense has been horrible this season as well, giving up 26 goals through 15 matches. Portland has 18 goals in 14 matches and should be able to capitalize, much like FC Dallas did.

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Over/Under (O/U)

“LEAN” to the UNDER 3.5 (-190) on the alternate line as the Galaxy attack just isn’t there. The Galaxy have routinely hit the Over, but Chicharito being sidelined Friday is a big deal.

The Timbers aren’t absent offensively, but expecting them to get 2 or 3 goals Friday while averaging just a goal per game for the season is a stretch. Portland has just one player with 4 goals in 2021.

Over 3.5 hit just twice for the Timbers in their last 11 games. Confidently go with Under 3.5.

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Analysis and betting advice for Wednesday’s LAFC at Portland Timbers meeting

Los Angeles FC is heavily favored against the Portland Timbers Wednesday. We look for value in the MLS betting odds and offer our best value picks.

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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Want some action in this one? Place an MLS bet with BetMGM today. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Nathan Beighle on Twitter. Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.

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FC Dallas at Portland Timbers odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Saturday’s FC Dallas at Portland Timbers odds and lines, with MLS picks and predictions.

In Saturday’s MLS action, FC Dallas (2 wins, 5 losses, 5 draws) and the Portland Timbers (4-6-1) in a 10:30 p.m. ET kickoff at Providence Park in Portland. The match is televised on ESPN+. Below, we preview the FC Dallas vs. Portland Timbers odds and lines, and make our best MLS bets, picks and predictions.

FC Dallas has managed just one victory across the past nine matches going 1-4-4. The good news for FC Dallas is that they won the first meeting with the Timbers by a 4-1 count May 2, which was one of just two wins this season.

The Timbers have dropped each of the past two outings while going 0-2-1 in the past three contests. While Portland has had an uneven season overall, they’re a respectable 4-2-1 in seven matches at home.

FC Dallas at Portland Timbers: Odds, picks and predictions

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:45 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: FC Dallas +300 (bet $100 to win $300) | Portland Timbers -125 (bet $125 to win $100) | Draw +260
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -175 | U: +130)

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Prediction

Portland Timbers 1, FC Dallas 0

Money line (ML)

The PORTLAND TIMBERS (-125) are worth playing straight up even though FC Dallas (+300) got the best of them in the first matchup. Portland has been a much better team on its home pitch, and they’ll get it done here.

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Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 2.5 (+130) is a great play at plus money. In the previous three meetings in Portland, we have had a total of just three goals – including a 1-1 battle in full time in the postseason Nov. 23.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.

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Portland Timbers at Austin FC odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Thursday’s Portland Timbers at Austin FC odds and lines, with MLS betting picks, tips and best bets.

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).

Watch this match with ESPN+ by signing up here.

Want some action in this one? Place an MLS bet with BetMGM today. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Nathan Beighle on Twitter. Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.

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