The LA Galaxy and Portland Timbers will be trying to find their footing when the Western Conference foes square off Sunday in a Major League Soccer matchup. The Timbers (1-3-1) are dealing with injury issues that carried over from last season, when they lost on penalties to NYCFC in the MLS Cup final. Still, they have just one loss and pulled off a 1-1 draw at home last Sunday against Orlando City despite being down a man for the final 15 minutes. They are unbeaten in their last five games at Providence Park. The Galaxy (2-0-2) got off to a strong start but come in off losses in their last two outings. They have not played since a 1-0 setback to Orlando City on March 19.
Kickoff in Portland is set for 4:30 p.m. ET. Portland is the +150 favorite (risk $100 to win $150) on the 90-minute money line in the latest Portland Timbers vs. LA Galaxy odds from Caesars Sportsbook. LA is the +180 underdog, a draw is listed at +245 and the over-under for total goals scored is 2.5. Before you lock in any LA Galaxy vs. Portland Timbers picks, you need to see what SportsLine soccer insider Brandt Sutton has to say.
Sutton, a former collegiate soccer player, has been SportsLine’s top soccer editor for nearly five years. He has followed soccer closely for much longer and factors in managerial tactics, projected lineups and past performances to make the most-informed decisions possible, keeping his finger on the pulse of the game all over the globe. Sutton has also been on a roll with his best bets, going 17-9 in his last 26 soccer picks.
Now, Sutton has broken down the Portland Timbers vs. LA Galaxy matchup from every angle and just revealed his MLS picks and predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see his picks. Here are the betting lines and trends for LA Galaxy vs. Portland Timbers:
- Portland vs. LA: Portland -0.5
- Portland vs. LA over-under: 2.5 goals
- Portland vs. LA money line: Portland +150, Galaxy +180, Draw +245
- POR: Sebastian Blanco has 33 goals and 33 assists in six seasons
- LA: Chicharito has 21 goals and two assists in 37 matches with the team
Featured Game | Portland vs. Los Angeles
Why you should back Portland Timbers
The Timbers rebounded from a 4-1 rout at the hands of FC Dallas with a gritty draw last week in front of the home crowd. After Jose Van Rankin was sent off on a red card in the 76th minute, Christhian Paredes converted a penalty kick in the 80th and Portland held on. The Timbers Army spurred the team, and the boisterous crowd makes for an uncomfortable atmosphere for visitors. Portland won the MLS Cup in 2015 and has been a runner-up twice since then.
Portland has not lost in regulation in its past 13 games at home, including the playoffs. It is grinding away with last year’s top scorer Felipe Mora (11 goals) recovering from knee surgery. Playmaker Sebastian Blanco also has been a part-time player as he regains fitness following his own knee issue, but he has an assist and always provides a spark off the bench. Colombian midfielder Yimmi Chara has stepped into the void and has two goals and an assist so far.
Why you should back LA Galaxy
LA kicked off the season with a 1-0 victory against reigning champion NYCFC and followed with a 1-0 win against Charlotte. It is feeling its way, but it has the capability to score goals. Chicharito is the key to the offense, and he has scored twice after tying for third in MLS with 17 goals last season. The 33-year-old scored 37 goals and won two titles in four seasons with Manchester United. LA has just four goals but has an expected goals of 7.1, so it should start converting.
The Timbers were manhandled in the loss to FC Dallas, and they were lucky to get the draw last week against Orlando. The Galaxy also are well-rested after two weeks off. They held the ball for 63 percent of a 3-2 loss to Seattle and 62 percent of the setback to Orlando. LA is fifth in the MLS in possession (58 percent) while Portland is 21st (45.8), so it should control the game. It also leads the league in shots (71) while the Timbers have yielded the most in MLS (82).
How to make LA Galaxy vs. Portland Timbers picks
Sutton has analyzed the Portland Timbers vs. LA Galaxy match from all sides, and he is leaning under on the goal total. He also provides another confident best bet and has a full breakdown of the match. He’s only sharing his expert MLS picks at SportsLine.
So who wins LA Galaxy vs. Portland in Sunday’s MLS matchup? And where does all the betting value lie? Visit SportsLine now to see the best bets for the Portland vs. LA Galaxy match, all from the soccer expert on a 17-9 run on his last 26 soccer picks, and find out.
