The champs are definitely in some trouble in the early going in the 2016 MLS season. The Portland Timbers only have two wins from their first eight matches, but if there's some good news, it's that they'll be back at Providence Park on Sunday for a game against Toronto FC.
Soccer Odds at BookMaker.eu
Portland Timbers +110
Toronto FC +220
Draw +240
Over/Under 2.5 (over -125)
ODDS ANALYSIS
Portland obviously had to be a really highly touted team at the outset of the season after winning the MLS Cup last season, but after just eight matches, there's already a bit of a sense of buyer's remorse by the oddsmakers.
Normally speaking, one of the best teams in the MLS would be an odds-on favorite against a team which barely cracked the playoffs last season. Instead, Portland is short of that at +110, a fairly high price, all things considered.
The total is rather level by MLS standards at 2.5 and -125 vig on the over.
KEY INJURIES
Portland's big problem right now is its injury list. The team is playing without a ton of stars right now, and that's what's holding it back.
The big question is whether Darlington Naege will be able to hit the pitch on Sunday after suffering an ankle injury. He's back at practice, but that doesn't mean much. The American midfielder is one of the best offensive creators on this team, and that's really important considering how bad the Timbers have been at the back. They've allowed 15 goals already in just eight matches, and that's thanks to not having Liam Ridgewell, Andy Thoma and Alvas Powell in defense due to long-term injuries.
TFC is relatively healthy at this point in the year. Clement Simonin and Benoit Cheyrou are the only two injury concerns, and neither will be ready to suit up until at least the middle of May.
LIVE BETTING
The Timbers have gotten a couple positive results in a row to wrap up April, and perhaps that will be what gets them back to their winning ways. They beat up San Jose at home 3-1 on April 16 before going on the road on Wednesday night and drawing New England at a very tough Gillette Stadium.
TFC still hasn't played a home game yet this year due to the renovations going on at BMO Field, but this is the end of the streak. The Reds have been incredibly hot considering the fact that they've been playing nothing but away fixtures. Their last two duels resulted in wins at D.C. United and Montreal by 1-0 and 2-0 score lines respectively.
Keep an eye on the under in this one, too. The Reds have played five straight games to two total goals or fewer.
QUICK PICK
At some point, Toronto FC is really going to pick it up and start scoring some goals, and this might be the point where that happens. Michael Bradley has yet to get his name on the scoring sheet this year, nor has Jozy Altidore. This could be the game for both men to shine, especially if Sebastian Giovinco continues on his hot streak.
The Timbers can score some goals for sure, even with Naege potentially on the mend. Fanendo Adi and Jack McInerney have combined for nine goals this season already in just eight matches.
Even though all trends for TFC point towards the under, we're going to go against the grain and expect this to be a cracker of a match. For value purposes, we'll go with the Reds, but we're far more confident that this game will feature at least three goals.
MLS Odds: Toronto FC 3, Portland 2
Access live betting lines from your mobile device at BookMaker Sportsbook! You can wager on sporting events as they unfold on television with BookMaker’s live betting platform. Real-time spreads, totals, props and moneyline odds are all available by clicking here, so start betting with BookMaker today! The fixture between the Portland Timbers and Toronto FC will take place at 3:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, May 1, 2016 at Providence Park. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN.
