FC DALLAS are aiming to snap a run of two straight defeats as they host Portugal Timbers in a Western Conference MLS fixture. Neither team has shown much defensive solidity in recent times and could be set to serve up goals on Friday.
Dallas are coming off a 1-0 home defeat to Cincinnati last time out in the MLS. That was the second straight defeat for Peter Luccin's men, who were also beaten 3-2 by Seattle Sounders in their previous fixture.
The good news for Dallas is that beyond the defeat to Cincinnati, they have been pretty solid at Toyota Stadium, winning five of their previous six matches. However, they are often suspect at the back and have kept just one clean sheet in their last five home matches.
Portland Timbers travel to Dallas off the back of a 3-2 victory over Minnesota United in their previous MLS fixture. They fought back from two goals down with efforts from Evander, Santiago Moreno and Jonathan Rodriguez earning them the win.
That was the third straight win for Portland Timbers, who are actually unbeaten in their last seven matches. However, like their host, Phil Neville’s men are not particularly convincing at the back and are without a clean sheet in eight of their last 10 away matches.
How the bookies view it: Dallas with the edge
Dallas have the upper hand among the bookies and are priced at 5/4 by Betfred to claim the win. A victory for Portland Timbers is valued at 7/4 while a draw is set at odds of 12/5 by Betfred.
Head to head: Nothing to separate them
Dallas and Portland Timbers have claimed 12 wins each and 10 draws from 34 previous matches. However, Portland were victorious in the most recent meeting as they triumphed 1-0 in June 2023.
Players to watch: Rodriguez to maintain hot streak
Petar Musa is the leading scorer for Dallas with nine MLS goals and will be the one to watch on Friday. The striker also has four goals in his last three appearances and is priced 13/8 by Betfred to find the net once again.
Jonathan Rodriguez also has nine MLS goals and could be worth keeping an eye on for Portland Timbers. The striker has been on target in his last three matches and is priced at 2/1 by Betfred to maintain his scoring run.
Probable line-ups
Petar Musa did not feature in the defeat to Cincinnati and should return to lead the line for Dallas on Friday. Sebastian Lletget and Asier Illaramendi are also expected to feature in midfield.
Portland Timbers are likely to stick with the team that secured that comeback victory over Minnesota United. Santiago Moreno and Jonathan Rodriguez should continue in attack following their goals last time out.
FC Dallas: Paes, Farfan, Tafari, Ibeagha, Arriola, Illaramendi, Fraser, Kamungo, Lletget, Ansah, Musa
Portland Timbers: Pantemis, Mosquera, McGraw, Zuparic, Bravo, Ayala, Chara, Rodriguez, Evander, Moreno, Mora
Anything else catch the eye?
With Dallas and Portland Timbers often unconvincing at the back, goals could be expected on Friday. There were over 4.5 goals in Portland’s previous fixture and a repeat is priced at 7/2 by Betfred, who is offering odds of 13/8 for over 3.5 goals.
There have been more goals after the break in Dallas’ last three matches and a similar pattern is priced at evens with Betfred.
This MLS match between FC Dallas and Portland Timbers will be played on Jul 5, 2024 and kick off at 01:30. Check below for our tipsters best FC Dallas vs Portland Timbers prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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