Minnesota United v Portland Timbers
Thursday 8th August 0100hrs
Football – USA– US Open Cup
Pick Over 2.5 goals
Bookmaker Marathon Bet
Odds: 3/5 (odds taken 19.00 GMT, Tuesday 6 August)
 |
1 | X | 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11/10 | 13/5 | 21/10 |
* (Betting Odds were taken from 22Bet on August 6, 2019 at 19.00)
It’s the semi-final stage in the US Open Cup and both Minnesota United and Portland Timbers are looking to make their first ever final as they face off against each other.
US Open Cup Betting at Marathon Bet
Minnesota United Preview – Can Minnesota reach final in just their third season?
It’s not been the easiest of starts to life for Minnesota as a major league franchise but there are some signs of improvement in this their third season. Having finished in the bottom three of the Western Conference in their first two years and not threatening the playoffs, United are currently in second spot in their Conference. That makes them well on course to make the post-season for the first ever time. In addition to that Minnesota are also on the cusp of playing in their first ever US Open Cup final. Having made the round of 16 in 2018, it’s been an even more impressive showing 12 months on. The experienced Adrian Heath has been in charge from the beginning and his patience appears to be being repaid in this campaign.
Their path to this stage has seen them come through some big tests. Two of their three games have come against MLS clubs. An impressive 4-1 win over Sporting KC got things going before they knocked out the current holders Houston Dynamo. That was arguably the game of the tournament so far as Heath’s men won 3-2 in a road game. It’s made all that more remarkable considering they were two goals down. It was much more straightforward in the quarter-final defeating New Mexico United from the second tier 6-1. Although they did also lose the first goal in that game.
Portland Timbers Preview – Will Timbers end their cup hoodoo and eventually make the final?
The Timbers have been one of the most impressive and consistent teams in the MLS in recent seasons – regularly reaching the playoffs. Portland have made the post season in four of the last six years – winning the MLS Cup back in 2015 before finishing runners up just last season. Their record in the US Open Cup is not as impressive, though. For all that success in the league, the Timbers have never made it beyond the stage they are currently at – the last four. The last time they reached the semi-finals was back in 2013 so there will be a sense this is somewhat overdue.
It’s been an even more challenging route to the semi-final for Portland compared to their opponents. All their opponents have been top MLS clubs. A 2-1 away to rivals Seattle Sounders set them on their way before consecutive clashes with the big LA two. A thumping 4-0 win at home to Galaxy in the round of 16 was followed by a narrow 1-0 win away to Los Angeles FC. Considering that opponent are setting the pace in the MLS just now it was a great victory. That run of form should give Portland plenty of confidence heading into this game.
Key-Facts – Minnesota United v Portland Timbers
- Minnesota’s third season as a MLS club has seen major improvement both in the league and this cup competition
- Portland have never reached the final of the US Open Cup but they have been very impressive en route to the semi-final stage
- Minnesota defeated Portland in the most recent round of MLS fixtures, winning 1-0 at home just last Sunday
Minnesota United v Portland Timbers Betting Advice
These two teams will be very familiar with each other heading into this game having only played each other a matter of days ago. A 1-0 win for Minnesota in the MLS, courtesy of a stoppage time penalty, was enough to give United the three points. Although we may see some changes in this cup game, it’s likely both managers will be fielding very strong teams in an attempt to get their respective clubs to the final for the first time.
There was virtually nothing to choose from in Sunday’s game but it did continue the pattern of the home team being victorious in this fixture. No visiting team has ever gotten as much as a draw before. It was also the first game which never had at least three goals scored in it. Considering Portland’s excellent victories to get them to this stage I would not back against them prevailing from this one either. Instead, due to the number of goals that both have scored already in the competition, combined with the trend in this fixture, over 2.5 goals looks to be the best bet.
