Los Angeles Galaxy Vs Portland Timbers
Los Angeles Galaxy Vs Portland Timbers Saturday, 18 June 2022 – 22:00 (BST)
US Major League Soccer
Pick: Over 2.5 Goals
Odds: 3/5
Bookmaker: Bet365
(All betting odds correct at time of writing: 15 June 2022)
Preview: April’s 3-1 victory in Portland for LA Galaxy earned them a third successive head-to-head triumph over the Timbers. Moreover, it continued a positive trend on the goal front, with each of the previous ten MLS encounters between the sides featuring three or more. We could be in for quite the treat, then, in Los Angeles.
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Table of Contents
LA Galaxy – Keen to make inroads in the West?
More magic from Dejan Jovelic wouldn’t go amiss as the Galaxy, kicking off game two of this weekend’s MLS action following the international break, seek to apply some early pressure on the teams above them. They do so at Dignity Health Sports Park – where they are marginally in the black for the season, four victories offsetting three losses – against a Portland Timbers six places worse off in the Western Conference.
Greg Vanney’s charges probably needed the break. A three match barren spell had preceded their thrilling 4-1 home win over Austin FC, in which Jovelic helped turn a 1-0 deficit on its head with a brace of goals and assists. The 22-year-old Serbian was only on the pitch for 29 minutes but made his presence felt in some style. He is now looking for a rare start for an LA Galaxy side residing sixth (W7 D2 L5) at the start of play.
Key Stat: LA Galaxy scored more in their latest encounter – 4-1 vs Austin FC, here at Dignity Health Sports Park – than they had managed across their eight previous MLS matches. It was the first time they had scored four in a game since July, 2021.
Portland Timbers – Defence simply not pulling its weight?
The timing of any international break can be subjective. For some, it disrupts positive momentum – something which isn’t always easy to regain – while for others it can provide a momentary reprieve during attritional times. Portland Timbers undoubtedly fall into the latter category. Put out of their misery at the end of May when domestic action was halted having slumped to a third straight defeat at Inter Miami.
Each loss saw them concede at least twice, something they would manage in their past four games, and in nine of 15 for the season. Ominously, they go to an LA Galaxy coming off a four-goal victory last time out at this venue, having also put three past the Timbers, in Portland, in April. Meanwhile, that is now one win in eight (W1 D3 L4) for the Giovanni Savarese managed side, who sit third-bottom (W3 D6 L6) in the west.
Key Stat: Portland Timbers were behind at half-time in all six defeats incurred during this season’s MLS, which includes their previous three encounters against San Jose Earthquakes (3-2), Philadelphia Union (0-2) and Inter Miami (2-1).
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Los Angeles Galaxy Vs Portland Timbers Betting Advice
Upon first glance, the Galaxy appear too short in the Match Odds market. This is a team which has won two of its last six, going one for three (W1 L2) across their three most recent outings at Dignity Health Sports Park. And yet, the positives for them are plentiful. They are eight points better off than their opponents, despite playing a game less, and made it three wins from three against the Timbers in April.
Los Angeles Galaxy Vs Portland Timbers – Key Facts:
- After winning six of the previous seven meetings between these teams, Portland would lose for a third game running earlier on this season. LA Galaxy prevailing 3-1 in Portland, Javier Chicharito with two of the goals, on April 3.
- Each of the past ten MLS matches between LA Galaxy and Portland Timbers has featured a minimum of three goals, while only two concluded with only one team on the scoresheet.
- Form-wise, both are a little sketchy. LA Galaxy winning two of their last six (D1 L3), while Portland Timbers fared even worse winning one in eight (D3 L4) having lost the last three.
At the odds then, LA Galaxy would be my undisputed pick if I were choosing a match winner. But I am not. Instead, I am leaning towards goals. All of the last 10 H2H’s went Over 2.5, which is encouraging on its own. However, then we begin to factor in Portland’s leaky defence – shipping 2+ in 9 of 15 games this season, including each of the last four. In addition, four of Galaxy’s five prior home matches also went over.
Best Betting Odds – LA Galaxy Vs Portland Timbers
LA Galaxy – 8/11 (Betway)
Draw – 3/1 (PaddyPower)
Portland Timbers – 7/2 (Boylesports)
