The Energizer Park in Missouri will host the MLS Western Conference clash between St. Louis City and Portland Timbers. The home side are looking to snap out of a recent slump while the visitors will be looking to address their poor form away from home.
St Louis City have been far from their best this season and currently sit second from bottom in the West, having picked up just one win from their last 10 MLS matches. They suffered a 3-2 defeat at Real Salt Lake in their previous league fixture.
It is a similar situation at Energizer Park for St Louis City, who are winless in four of their last five home matches. A vulnerable defence is one of the problems for David Critchley's men, who lost 4-2 to Orlando City in their previous fixture in front of their fans.
The Portland Timbers are coming off a victory as they beat the New England Revolution 2-1 last time out in the league. Phil Neville's men are unbeaten in four of their last five matches, with three wins in this run, moving them up to fourth in the table.
One problem that persists for the Timbers is a poor record on their travels, having failed to win four of their last five away matches in all competitions. They have been beaten three times on this run and fell 3-0 at Toronto FC last time out on the road.
How the bookies view it: Bookies backing St Louis
The bookies have installed St Louis City as favourites with BoyleSports offering odds of 11/10 for a home win. A victory for the Portland Timbers is valued at 17/10 while a draw is set at 13/5.
Head to head: Evenly matched rivals
St Louis City and Portland Timbers have picked up two wins each and as many draws from six previous matches. The Timbers claimed a 2-1 home victory in the reverse fixture.
Players to watch: Red Hot Klauss
Joao Klauss has led the line well for St Louis City this season with seven league goals so far. The striker has five goals in the last three matches and could be worth keeping an eye on (Joao Klauss anytime goalscorer – 11/8 with BoyleSports).
Kevin Kelsey should lead the line for the Portland Timbers in this clash and will be keen to add to his five league goals. The forward will be the one to watch for the visitors (Kevin Kelsey anytime goalscorer priced at 13/8).
Probable line ups:
Henry Kessler, Eduard Lowen and Chris Durkin are ruled out for St Louis City with Injury. However, Marcel Hartel should continue in midfield while Joshua Yaro is set to retain his place at the heart of the defence.
Striker Antony remains sidelined with injury, so Kelsey should continue up front for the Portland Timbers. Ian Smith should retain his place in attack after getting on the score sheet last time out, while Finn Surmann is set to feature at the back.
St Louis City: Burki, Orozco, Yaro, Girdwood-Reich, Totland, Wallem, Becher, Ostrak, Hartel, Teuchert, Klauss
Portland Timbers: Crepeau, Mosquera, Zuparic, Surman, Miller, Ortiz, Ayala, Costa, Moreno, Smith, Kelsey
Anything else catch the eye?
Three of St Louis City's last four matches have produced over 3.5 goals – valued at 5/4 with BoyleSports. The hosts have grabbed the opening goal in the last three matches against the Portland Timbers (St Louis City to score first – priced at 4/5).
Two of the last three matches between St Louis City and Portland Timbers have produced more goals after the break (Second half most goals priced at 10/11).
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