Sports Mole previews Sunday’s MLS clash between Portland Timbers and Los Angeles FC, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.
Seeking to extend their five-game unbeaten streak, Portland Timbers will welcome Los Angeles FC to Providence Park for their MLS fixture this weekend.
The hosts are looking for their first victory over the visitors in three league fixtures, while Los Angeles FC, who are seventh in the standings, are looking to earn a second straight win this weekend.
Match preview
© Imago
Portland Timbers extended their unbeaten run in all competitions to five games with a 4-2 win over Sporting Kansas City in their last MLS outing.
In an entertaining encounter at the Children’s Mercy Park, Kevin Kelsy was the standout performer, as his brace helped the Timbers to a comfortable win.
Their latest triumph took their points tally to 14, leaving them fourth in the Western Conference standings, five points adrift of the Vancouver Whitecaps, who are first in the table.
With four wins, two draws and a couple of losses across eight fixtures so far, Phil Neville‘s team have enjoyed a better start this term in comparison to the 2024 campaign, when they managed only two wins in their first eight matches of the season.
The hosts have been impressive going forward with 13 goals scored – a record which is the fourth-best in the West.
Ahead of this fixture, the home side will bank on their recent revitalized attack, which saw them score at least three goals in three of their last four league fixtures to see off the visitors.
© Imago
Elsewhere, Los Angeles FC earned a 2-1 victory over San Jose Earthquakes to claim their first win in three matches at the BMO Stadium last weekend.
Like the Timbers, the visitors have also won four of their eight league fixtures this term, leaving them occupying the seventh position in the Western Conference with 12 points, two behind their opponents.
Having conceded 11 goals in their last six outings, there is a lot of improvement needed in that department.
Another worry for Steve Cherundolo is that his team have struggled away from home, having won only one on the road since November 2024.
However, the visitors are unbeaten in their last two competitive meetings against PTFC, winning one and drawing the other.
Portland Timbers Major League Soccer form:
Los Angeles FC Major League Soccer form:
Los Angeles FC form (all competitions):
Team News
Portland Timbers have a clean bill of health heading into this fixture at Providence Park this weekend, meaning Neville has a full squad to select from.
David Ayala scored a brace in their last outing, so he is likely to retain his place in the starting XI.
Antony has caught the eye for Portland this season, having scored four times in the current campaign, and he should be one of the first names on the team sheet for this contest.
Finn Surman has not missed a minute in the last five matches for the home side, hence, he is a sure bet to feature in this contest.
Jeremy Ebobisse will be missing this weekend, as he is currently battling a leg injury, while Lorenzo Dellavalle is on the sidelines with a thigh problem for the away side.
Similarly, this fixture may come too soon for Maxime Chanot, who is ruled out with an undisclosed injury.
Portland Timbers possible starting lineup:
Pantemis; Surman, Miller, Smith, Mosquera; Chara, Ayala; Moreno, Costa, Antony; Kelsy
Los Angeles FC possible starting lineup:
Lloris; Segura, Marlon, Long; Hollingshead, Delgado, Jesus, Palencia; Bouanga, Ordaz; Giroud
We say: Portland Timbers 2-1 Los Angeles FC
After an inconsistent start to the season, the Timbers have found their footing, going unbeaten in five matches, and given the indifferent form of the visitors, they are primed for a 2-1 victory.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
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