Portland Timbers v Los Angeles FC

Portland Timbers vs Los Angeles Preview

Western Conference strugglers, Portland Timbers, will be hoping they can build upon an encouraging two-match unbeaten run in the MLS when they entertain high-flying Los Angeles at Providence Park on Saturday night and the hosts are now just four points within reach of the top nine pack prior to this weekend's action.

A 2-1 home win against Real Salt Lake along with a point gained by way of a 2-2 draw away from home at Seattle Sounders will give Portland Timbers belief that they can produce a possible upset at their Providence Park ground but the hosts will need to produce something special if they're to do so.

Portland have registered just two wins from their previous 10 matches overall in the MLS, the other victory being a high-scoring 3-2 home win against Columbus Crew, but having also been handed four defeats within this period as well, the goals market looks the safest option for this upcoming fixture.

Indeed, seven of Portland Timbers' last 10 games overall have resulted in Over 2.5 goals being scored, while the same ratio applies to the hosts' last 10 league games on home turf as well, so the prospects look good for another entertaining encounter on Saturday night.

Los Angeles currently occupy third place in the Western Conference table but although the visitors hold a four-point cushion over eighth placed San Jose Earthquakes, recent results have dipped where Los Angeles have been concerned as they've been dealt back-to-back defeats.

Losses to Charlotte 2-1 away from home and a heavy 3-1 loss at home to Inter Miami last time out have done little to boost Los Angeles' ambitions of claiming a place in the Finals Series but nevertheless, the visitors will be desperate to avoid a third straight defeat here this weekend.

The bigger picture shows Los Angeles have actually managed to win just twice in their last nine matches overall, both of which were at home with victories over St Louis City 3-0 and a 4-0 romp against Colorado Rapids, while goals have also featured with six of LA's last 10 games overall resulting in Over 2.5 goals.

On the road, seven of Los Angeles' last 10 road trips have also produced three goals or more, so this upcoming clash at Providence Park could well be an entertaining and high-scoring clash.

Portland Timbers v Los Angeles Verdict

Both Portland Timbers and Los Angeles have been involved in a number of high-scoring matches in recent times and indeed, the previous history between these two sides also looks encouraging for further goals on Saturday night.

Five of the previous seven meetings have resulted in Over 2.5 goals and this upcoming clash at Providence Park also promises more goals.

Therefore, our main bet will be Over 2.5 goals @ 1.57

Other side bets worth considering:

Draw @ 3.75

Correct score: 2-2 @ 12.00