LA GALAXY and Portland Timbers square off in a Western Conference MLS fixture with both teams looking to maintain their good form. Portland have the quality to make things difficult but Galaxy will be counting on their fine home form and should claim the upper hand here.
LA Galaxy are coming off a thrilling 3-2 victory over Colorado Rapids in their previous MLS fixture. All the goals came in the first half with Diego Fagundez, John Paintsil and Riqui Puig on target.
The win was enough to take LA Galaxy to the top of the Western Conference as they are now two points clear of Los Angeles, who have two games in hand. The result also means Greg Vanney’s men have lost just once in their last 10 matches across all competitions, claiming eight wins in that run.
Colorado Rapids were rampant last time out in the MLS as they claimed a 3-0 victory over Real Salt Lake. That was the fourth win in five matches for Phil Neville’s men, who have found their rhythm in recent weeks.
While things appear smooth for Colorado Rapids in recent times, their away form remains a bit erratic. They have picked up just two wins from their last five away matches and were beaten 3-2 by Dallas in their previous fixture on the road.
How the bookies view it: Galaxy to prevail
LA Galaxy are considered overwhelming favourites among the bookies with a home win priced at 4/6 to claim the win. A victory for Portland Timbers is valued at 3/1 while a draw is set at odds 3/1 by Betfred.
Head to head: Evenly matches rivals
LA Galaxy and Portland Timbers have claimed 14 wins each with nine draws from 37 previous matches. Both teams battled to a 3-3 draw in the last meeting back in October 2023.
Players to watch: Gabriel Pec to shine
With Dejan Joveljic still sidelined with injury, Gabriel Pec could be worth keeping an eye on for La Galaxy. The forward has nine MLS goals this season and is priced at 7/5 by Betfred to find the net on Sunday.
Portland Timbers have plenty of quality in attack, particularly with Felipe Mora, who has 11 goals this season. The attacker has scored in the last two matches and is priced at 8/5 by Betfred to find the bet once again.
Probable line-ups
Dejan Joveljic remains sidelined with injury and is set to miss Sunday’s clash. Gabriel Pec is expected to feature in attack alongside John Paintsil, who was on target last time out.
Portland Timbers are unlikely to make changes to their team with Felipe Mora and Jonathan Rodriguez expected to feature in attack. Miguel Araujo should feature in defence alongside Dario Zuparic.
LA Galaxy: McCarthy, Yamane, Yoshida, Neal, Cuevas, Cerrillo, Delgado Fagundez, Riqui Puig, Gabriel Pec, Paintsil
Portland Timbers: Pantemis, Mosquera, Araujo, Zuparic, Bravo, Chara, Williamson, Rodriguez, Evander, Moreno, Mora
Anything else catch the eye?
It was a six goal thriller in the last meeting between LA Galaxy and Portland Timbers and another high-scoring encounter could be on the cards. Over 3.5 is priced at 5/5 by Betfred, who is also offering 2/1 for over 3.5 goals.
LA Galaxy have scored in both halves in four of their last five matches and a similar pattern is priced at evens with Betfred. Given the minimal odds for a straight home victory, a win and over 3.5 goals could be considered at 2/1 with Betfred.
This MLS match between LA Galaxy and Portland Timbers will be played on Jul 21, 2024 and kick off at 03:45. Check below for our tipsters best LA Galaxy vs Portland Timbers prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
