The Portland Timbers are back on the road for the second-to-last time this season. Portland has been enjoying playing in revamped Providence Park, and their stretch of good performances at home has them in position to make the playoffs. They will take on Minnesota United FC this Sunday, and the Loons have also been playing well. They are in fifth place in the Western Conference with 35 points and looking to make the postseason for the first time in franchise history.
Don't miss the Major League Soccer action from Allianz Field in St. Paul, Minnesota at 4 p.m. ET on Sunday, August 4, 2019. Catch every moment of the match live on ESPN.
MLS Betting at BookMaker.eu
Minnesota United FC +109
Portland Timbers +216
Draw +265
Over/Under 3
Odds Analysis
Portland has not lost since falling to Montreal in Quebec back in late June, winning four and earning two draws in their last six matches. They have won their last two road games, knocking off New York City FC 1-0 and the Seattle Sounders 2-1.
When the LA Galaxy came to town last week, the Timbers came out in full force and hammered the Galaxy 4-0. Cristhian Paredes notched a brace in the first half and Diego Valeri added another before the halftime whistle, and the rout was on from there.
The Loons are on a six-game streak without a loss as well. Minnesota won four in a row after three straight losses in late May and early June, and they have earned draws in their last two games.
They played to a scoreless draw against Vancouver here last week, but they are 6-1-4 overall at home this year.
This will be the first match between these conference foes this season, and interestingly enough it will be the first of two matches in four days for the teams. They will face off in the US Open Cup semifinals in the Twin Cities on Wednesday night.
Key Absences
Goalkeeper Jeff Attinella was declared out for the season after undergoing surgery on his right shoulder, and that will impact the depth at that position for Portland. The Timbers will also be without Marco Farfan as he deals with a left knee injury, while midfielder Andy Polo is questionable with a hip issue. Dairon Asprilla will miss the match after receiving a straight red card in extra time last week.
The hosts will be without just one player this match. Midfielder Kevin Molino is listed as questionable with a leg injury, but he did take part in some practice sessions earlier in the week, so the club is optimistic. However, Darwin Quintero will be serving a suspension for yellow card accumulation.
Player to Watch
Without Quintero in the equation, the hosts are hoping for a solid performance from Angelo Rodriguez. Rodriguez has scored just once since April, and that’s been a bit of a disappointment. He and Quintero have not meshed well together, but with Quintero out of the picture for this game, he has a chance to take charge.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
Portland has proven that it can win on the road. The Timbers are 6-7-2 away from the Rose City this season, and that will give them confidence ahead of this match. Without Quintero, the Loons don’t have their best offensive weapon, while the Timbers have some great weapons in Diego Valeri, Jeremy Ebobisse, Brian Fernandez, and Paredes.
That quartet will reach a concerto and secure an important road win over Minnesota on Sunday. I love Portland at this price, and this is one of my favorite plays in a while.
Major League Soccer Odds: Portland Timbers 2, Minnesota United FC 1
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