Portland Timbers vs Los Angeles FC tips and predictions

Tight encounter expected in MLS

The superior home team will be looking for early openings when this gets going at 12:30am. Surely this isn't going to be dull.

On 34 points, fifth placed Portland Timbers host seventh placed Los Angeles FC. The visitors are lurking in their shadows with 33 points.

It could come down to tiny margins to separate these two sides, but with the prices on offer a home win seems like a smart play.

So how have they fared recently? Firstly, the hosts have picked up 3 wins from 4 matches. Meanwhile the travelling side has suffered reverses in 14 of their recent 20 matches on the road.

Portland Timbers scored at least once in all of their recent 14 matches and they've held out when they've had their backs against the wall. They have only conceded an average of 0.5 goals across their last 4 games.

There have been episodes when Los Angeles FC have lost their shape and they have lacked the requisite discipline under pressure. They have conceded two or more goals in 8 of their last 11 matches. If this stat proves to be significant, you are likely to see the home team picking holes in their defensive line.

The sportsbooks believe that both sides can get in on the act as they can both be dangerous in front of goal. Whatever happens, with the odds-against price on BTTS No, that seems the better option on this occasion.