The Portland Timbers are rocketing up the Western Conference standings. They are now right in the middle of the playoff picture after knocking off their biggest rival in a Cascadia Cup fixture last weekend. This week, they will look to keep that momentum going against a surprising Los Angeles FC team. LAFC are in their expansion year, but they have been playing great. They might be even better than Atlanta United were in their first season.
Don't miss the Major League Soccer action from Providence Park at 3 p.m. ET on Saturday, May 19, 2018. Catch every moment of the match live on FOX.
MLS Betting Odds at BookMaker.eu
Los Angeles FC +243
Portland Timbers +103
Draw +261
Odds Analysis
Providence Park is one of the best home fields in the MLS. Portland has sold out the park for every single game since they were granted an expansion franchise, and the Timbers Army is one of the top supporters groups in the league. Opponents do not typically fare well here.
Recent Form
Portland has been on fire after a tough start to the year. They failed to notch a win in any of their first five matches and were on the bottom of the Western Conference standings throughout the month of March.
However, things started to change a month ago. The Timbers have been playing much better soccer and have won four in a row. Portland has really tightened up at the back, not allowing a goal in any of their last three matches. They shut out New York City FC, San Jose, and Seattle and oddly enough the last goal they conceded was an own goal.
LAFC started the year strong given the fact their first six matches were all on the road. They were able to pull off upsets against the Seattle Sounders and Real Salt Lake in their first two matches and are 4-0-2 on the road.
Over the last few weeks, LAFC have not been able to score like they have been though. The offensive production is far from abysmal, but it has helped lead to two of their last three matches being draws.
Key Absences
The visitors will be without two players for this match. Goalkeeper Luis Lopez has a right tibial stress fracture and has been out for some time, while forward Marco Urena will not be available after suffering a broken face a few weeks ago.
Portland will not have a number of players available. Defender Roy Miller is dealing with a left Achilles tendon injury, while forward Jeremy Ebobisse and goalkeeper Kendall McIntosh are each sidelined with right thigh injuries.
The Timbers are hoping that they will have a few players back in the lineup though. Midfielder David Guzman has a right knee injury and is considered questionable, as are defenders Vytas and Bill Tuiloma.
Coaching Angle
LAFC was fortunate enough to have hired a very good manager, and it has paid off immensely. Though he had middling success as the manager of the USMNT, Bradley has been a fantastic coach in the MLS. His success with expansion teams is unrivaled too. He led the Chicago Fire to multiple MLS titles and had a very good year with Chivas as well.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
The Timbers shutout streak is at 279 minutes, but it won’t make it another 90. LAFC has enough offensive firepower to find the back of the net at least once, and the only time they have been held goalless this season was when they faced Eastern Conference leaders Atlanta United.
Considering how good Portland is at home, the visitors would be content with a draw. Bradley’s side has played very well on the road this year, and I think they will be able to get at least a point.
Major League Soccer Odds: Portland Timbers 1, LAFC 1
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