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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