Los Angeles FC vs Portland Timbers
USA Major League Soccer
Date: 4 March 2023, Saturday
Kick-off at 21:30 UK / 22:30 CET
Venue: BMO Stadium (Los Angeles).
Los Angeles FC will begin their title defense quest in the top flight of North American football on Saturday afternoon when they host Portland Timbers in Gameweek 2 at BMO Stadium.
This is the place where the LAFC claimed their maiden MLS Cup trophy around half a year ago, beating Philadelphia Union in a legendary penalty-shootout thriller after a shocking 3-3 draw.
A lot has changed since that match, namely in terms of two big offseason moves by the likes of Gareth Bale and Cristian Arango.
Bale suddenly announced retirement from professional football after the World Cup in Qatar 2022, while Arango made a move to Mexican Liga MX side Pachuca.
Do not get us wrong, LAFC are still contenders, they still have a star-studded lineup all over the place and they have strengthened the squad with the arrivals of Aaron Long, Stipe Biuk, and Timothy Tilmann.
Los Angeles FC looked great in the preseason friendlies, clinching back-to-back 3-1 wins over Toronto FC and San Diego Loyal in the last two outings.
Portland Timbers have already been in action in Week 1. They started the season with a 1-0 home victory over Sporting Kansas City on Monday evening at Providence Park.
The Timbers look serious in defense at the start of the season as they have also kept things quiet at the back in the final offseason test against New York City (a 1-0 win as well).
Los Angeles FC vs Portland Timbers Head-to-head
- Los Angeles FC lead the H2H tie by 1 win going into the 17th meeting with Portland Timbers.
- LAFC claimed a 1-2 road win at Providence Park when these two teams last locked horns in October last year.
- We have seen goals at both ends in nine of the last ten head to head affairs between these teams.
Los Angeles FC vs Portland Timbers Prediction
The quality is on LAFC’s side and we expect the hosts to prevail in their first competitive game of the season. However, we do not expect a goal fest which makes the home win to nil a great betting option at the 2.62 odds.
The braver tipsters can try with a 2-0 correct score option at the 8.00 odds since Portland’s offensive unit did not do much on Monday against Sporting Kansas City despite the win.
Los Angeles FC vs Portland Timbers Betting Tips
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Los Angeles FC to win to nil @ 2.62 (13/8)
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Correct Score: Los Angeles FC 1-0 @ 8.00 (7/1) odd.
