Charlotte FC vs. Portland Timbers Prediction: First-Ever Tilt

Saturday evening at Bank of America Stadium will see Charlotte FC host the Portland Timbers in their first-ever matchup against each other in MLS history. The participants are limping along into this clash, as Charlotte FC only have one win in their last five while the Timbers are winless in their last seven.

The Crowns are coming off a heartbreaking defeat last weekend to New York City FC. Kerwin Vargas broke the deadlock early in the opening three minutes of play. After a series of scoring chances for CLTFC, they couldn’t bury away NYCFC early off which led to Charlotte's downfall throughout the match. Keaton Parks found the back of the net four minutes before the first half. In the second frame three minutes into stoppage time the Crowns conceded, adding to the dispiriting mood, it was their first-ever loss to the Pigeons.

Meanwhile, the Portland Timbers fell to Los Angeles FC 3-2 last weekend. It was a spirited hard-fought tussle coming back from two goals down in the match. However, LAFC had other things in mind and we’re not going to allow the Timbers to spoil the party. A stoppage-time goal by Denis Bouanga in the 92nd minute secured all three points for the Black and Gold.

Here, we will break down the betting odds and share our favorite picks for Charlotte FC vs. Portland Timbers.

Charlotte FC vs. Portland Timbers Betting Odds for Saturday, May 4

This weekend's encounter the books are leaning towards goals being registered. For both teams getting on the score sheet is priced at -163. For both teams failing to bag a goal on Saturday night is listed at +120.

Odds from bet365 Sportsbook. Click the odds in the table below to place your bet and get $1,000 First Bet Safety Net or Bet $5 Get $150 at bet365

Charlotte FC vs. Portland Timbers Betting Predictions

Charlotte FC Preview

Earning his second start of the season, Nikola Petkovic appeared in 63 minutes of action in last weekend's 2-1 setback. The 21-year-old helped create the opening goal with his slick feet and a dangerous cross into the six-yard box. The Serbian finished the match with an 86 percent passing completion rate going 12-for-14 and hitting the target once with the only shot he took.

Making his MLS debut for the Crowns was 21-year-old Tyger Smalls. Coming on as a substitute in the 84th minute, Smalls displayed no nervy moments in his appearance achieving a shot towards the target but it was ultimately blocked. The Crown Youth Academy product going forward will look to insert himself in the lineup and get more professional minutes.

Bet on Charlotte FC at bet365

Portland Timbers Preview

Club legend Diego Chara will be missing in action on Saturday as he will be serving a suspension due to picking up a red card against LAFC. His absence will be felt, hard to replace a player who has over 400 games of MLS experience under his belt. Through 807 mixtures played in 2024, Chara owns a 90 percent passing accuracy and has won 67 percent of the tackles he has made.

Stepping up in his presence for the injured star player Evander Ferreira, Felipe Mora is leading the way up top. Tied for the team lead in the goals category with four, Mora will be leaned upon once again to hit the back of the net. Last weekend saw his four-game scoring streak come to an end.

Bet on Portland Timbers at bet365

Charlotte FC vs. Portland Timbers - My Pick

Despite each side missing key pieces up front on the attack, we shouldn’t be discouraged from wagering on both teams to bag a goal. When Charlotte plays in front of their enthusiastic crowd, they produce on the score sheet accumulating seven goals in five home matches this campaign.

On the other hand, the Portland Timbers defensive woes on this squad are becoming problematic. The Timbers have failed to post a clean sheet in their last 16 matches. Through 10 games this campaign, only once the both teams score that market didn’t hit. The play up front is what’s carrying this Timbers team as they are averaging two goals per game. The high-scoring trends we have seen with Portland in 2024 makes it hard not to wager on both clubs finding a way to beat the keeper.

• Charlotte FC vs. Portland Timbers pick: Both teams to score YES (-163) at bet365

How to Watch Charlotte FC vs. Portland Timbers

• When: Saturday, May 4, 7.30 p.m ET

• Where: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina

• TV: Apple TV