Portland Timbers vs Los Angeles FC Predictions
It could be anybody’s game on Saturday as Portland Timbers host reigning champions Los Angeles FC in their MLS tie. The Timbers have had a very poor season this year, managing to win just seven of their 27 games played so far.
On the other hand, the defending champions have enjoyed a great season, with 11 victories in 26 games, plus a shot at finishing the league stage as the table leaders. However, Steven Cherundolo’s men have struggled in away games in their last few outings.
The scales are tipped in favor of Los Angeles FC for this one, given that the team has performed better overall than Portland Timbers throughout the season. Los Angeles FC also enjoyed a decent run in the Leagues Cup recently, making it to the quarterfinals, where they lost out 2-3 to Mexican side CF Monterrey. Portland Timbers were also ousted by the same side, but much earlier, in the first knockout round.
Previous Meetings
The two teams have faced off 17 times so far, with Los Angeles FC leading the head-to-head record against Portland Timbers with seven victories. Portland Timbers have won five times and five fixtures have ended in draws.
Los Angeles FC have recorded wins in three of their last five meetings with Portland Timbers, and one draw, losing just one. The club has won all three of the most recent meetings and are the favorites to pick a win against the visitors on Saturday.
Portland Timbers have faced a poor run of form, combined with their record against Los Angeles FC, which makes it less likely for them to nab a win. However, a closely contested encounter is on the cards as both teams have scored in four out of their last five matches against each other.
Portland Timbers Putting in Decent Performances at Home
Portland Timbers are placed 12th in the Western Conference table in the MLS this year, having registered just seven wins in their 27 games played so far. They have drawn nine and lost 11 matches this year, accumulating 30 points in the process.
In the last five matches in the MLS, the Timbers have managed to win two. In the last five matches in all competitions, the Timbers have managed just one victory. However, given that stat, Portland Timbers have managed to record three victories out of the previous five matches at their home ground in all competitions.
Miles Joseph’s men are highly unlikely to reach the playoffs for the MLS Cup this year, however, they will try to go out fighting.
Defensive Woes Continue for the Hosts
Three-time MLS champions Portland Timbers, have struggled on all fronts this season. Joseph’s side has serious defensive concerns, as they have conceded goals in their last six consecutive matches, and nine of their last 11. The lack of ability to keep a clean sheet will be punished by a Los Angeles side which is in great goalscoring form this season.
Attack-wise the Timbers are no better, as they rank 18th in terms of goals scored this season in the MLS, averaging 1.2 goals per game. Frank Boli, their top forward, has only netted six times in this edition. He was surpassed by Evander Ferreira, by scoring once during the 2-2 draw against Seattle Sounders. Ferreira now has scored 7 goals and provided three assists.
Timbers Hope for a Change
Portland Timbers will be hoping to snap out of the rut they have been in this season. They were well placed to do so in the previous match against Seattle Sounders, who have also struggled in recent times but failed to do so as the encounter ended in a 2-2 draw.
They also had a poor run in the 2023 Leagues Cup, where they only managed to win one match against the San Jose Earthquakes in the group stage. The victory was enough to qualify them for the knockouts. But their first opponents of the knockouts, Monterrey, were too strong for them and ended their run in the competition in the Round of 32.
Los Angeles FC Want to Get Back on Track
Los Angeles FC have hit a snag in recent times in their good season, with back-to-back losses to Inter Miami FC and Charlotte FC in the MLS. They are placed third in the Western Conference table with 40 points from 26 games, having won 11 matches, drawn seven, and lost eight.
Los Angeles FC could potentially be atop the league table by the end of the league stages if they manage to win their remaining fixtures and provided St Louis City and Seattle Sounders drop some points. The Sounders already did so against Los Angeles’ next opponents, Portland Timbers, midweek.
Steven Cherundolo’s men will be looking to get back to winning ways, and given Portland’s recent form, they are favorites to pick a win on Saturday.
Recent Form is Shaky
Defending MLS champions are going through a rough patch in recent times, despite enjoying emphatic victories in the Leagues Cup. Los Angeles FC have won two and lost three of their last five games played. They were ousted by Monterrey in the quarterfinals of the Leagues Cup, where they were pegged as one of the favorites to lift the cup.
After the disheartening loss, Los Angeles FC resumed their MLS campaign with a convincing 4-0 victory over Colorado Rapids. However, their good form did not last as they lost 1-2 to Charlotte FC, which was followed by another defeat at the hands of Lionel Messi led Inter Miami.
The Defending Champions and Their Great Goalscoring Form
Los Angeles FC are in great goalscoring form this season. They rank 9th in terms of goals scored, averaging 1.5 goals per game in the MLS. They are also ranked third in terms of chances created, with a total of 49 big chances created so far.
Cherundolo’s men have scored in all 10 of their previous games, despite the final result. Denis Bouanga is enjoying a superb season, having scored 12 times in the MLS and six times in the Leagues Cup, providing three assists as well.
Against a Portland side struggling with defence, Los Angeles FC the odds are firmly in favor of Los Angeles FC to return to winning ways in an emphatic fashion.
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