MLS: Minnesota United vs. Portland Timbers Preview, Betting Tips, Predictions, Picks

Minnesota United and Portland Timbers have a really important game ahead. Both teams are outside the playoff and play-in zone, but very close to the same. United has one point fewer than the Timbers, but they also have two games in hand, and that’s why this contest is so critical for both sides. A win here won’t be worth three points, but double, because it is against a direct rival. We can’t say that either of the teams involved is in some decent shape, furthermore, they are pretty pale. Stay tuned to see more about this game. 

Preview

Minnesota United (+105) is 12th in the West with 21 points and has been without a win for a long time. The last was on May 24th, when they beat… Portland Timbers, in RIP City. Since then, they couldn’t triumph in six events, posting subsequent losses and draws.

Adrian Heath still has support from the board, but the fans aren’t happy with the way things develop in Minneapolis. Heath has to make certain changes to make his team competitive, and if he fails, playoffs will be just a dream.

The United has just one loss at home this year, but on the other hand, they have two wins, with plenty of ties in between. They play tough and inefficient football at the Allianz Field, with six of eight contests during this campaign ending with under 2.5 goals. 

Portland Timbers (+220) is equally bad, and that’s something nobody expected from this unit. Yes, they are a bit older team, with the stars and the essential players being all veterans, but that can’t be an alibi for this unit, which was one of the best in the league over the past few years. 

The Timbers have only two triumphs over the recent ten games across all the competitions. Apart from that, we’ve seen them posting four ties and losses each. Six of their last eight games had under 2.5 goals, and five saw both teams not scoring. 

Road games have been a problem for Portland, who has one win in ten outings this season, five defeats, and four ties. Believe it or not, three of the previous four were without goals, against Real Salt Lake, Seattle, and San Jose. 

Latest News

Kemar Lawrence, Robin Lod, Mikael Marques and Ryen Jiba are all out for Minnesota United. 

Veteran Yimmy Chare is injured, the same as David Ayala and Eryk Williamson. 

Head to Head Games

As mentioned before, Minnesota defeated Portland on the road in RIP City, 0-1. The only goal was scored in deep injury time, as Hlongwane netted in the fifth minute of the added time. 

Prediction

We had a thorough debate about this game, and decided to pick under 2.5 goals. When it comes to the full-time result, each of the three options has a solid chance of happening, because of the inconsistency these units frequently show. The odds on under 2.5 hits are currently are -105 and that’s ok.

Pick: Under 2.5 goals -105

 

More MLS previews:

• San Jose Earthquakes vs. LA Galaxy
• St. Louis City vs. Colorado Rapids
• Columbus Crew vs. New York Red Bulls
• CF Montreal vs. New York City FC
• Inter Miami vs. Austin FC