Subscribe
Follow Us
Dallas will host the Portland Timbers this weekend in a tone-setting game for both squads. With that said, it’s a good time to check out our MLS odds series, which includes our Dallas-Portland prediction, odds, and pick we have laid out below.
In a meeting between two good squads coming out of the Western Conference, the Portland Timbers will definitely have more to play for as this game comes. They have a win and two draws to start the season, which is not what they expected since they should be fighting to win the MLS Cup. Dallas, on the other hand, has one win, draw, and loss, and they will look to continue on their last result in the league, where they nabbed their first win.
Courtesy of FanDuel, here are the Dallas-Portland odds:
MLS Odds: Dallas-Portland Odds
Dallas: -120
Draw: +240
Portland: +280
Over: 2.5 (-130)
Under: 2.5 (+108)
*Watch MLS Games LIVE with fuboTV (click for free trial)
Why Dallas will win this game
It has been a mixed bag for Dallas FC going into this game versus the Timbers. Their first two outings showcased that there are definitely problems with their team, but winning 2-0 versus Nashville should be reason enough to believe they can fully turn it around. However, even the win against Nashville was brought on by two late goals, one scored in the 85th minute by Franco Jara and two minutes later by Alan Velasco. Their first goal this season came in their match versus Toronto, but it was negated by Jonathan Osorio in the 45th minute, thus Dallas drew that game versus the Canadian team.
Article Continues Below
Yet, they can use this game to continue on their recent win. They will be playing a Portland Timbers squad that looks set to challenge for the MLS Cup, but they have certain things to exploit in the Timbers setup. Firstly, Dallas can use the fact that the Timbers just cannot seem to stop conceding late goals, as they have been denied four points already by equalizers in the last 15 minutes. Additionally, as mentioned above, Dallas got their first win by scoring late in the match, so it should be much of the same if they want to win the game.
If they win, Dallas will have seven points in four games, and, more importantly, they will remain serious contenders for the playoffs and a potential dark horse in the postseason. Their squad is not ideal and the start of the season has not been amazing, but they should be completely fine if they manage to grab all three points against Portland. Additionally, winning against a championship contender also sends a message that other teams should fear Dallas going forward.
Why Portland will win this game
As mentioned a couple of times above, it has not been an easy start for the Portland Timbers. In the first game of the season, they fumbled two leads to just grab a point at home versus the New England Revolution. After that, they had a lead from the 18th minute through Yimmi Chara against a great Los Angeles FC team, just to concede a heartbreaking equalizer at the 93rd minute. Thankfully for them, they ended the streak of draws winning at home against Austin FC, a team that has started the season great.
The key thing for Portland is to remain composed. They have the quality to win against any team in the league and many had them winning their second MLS Cup title. While the start is definitely not promising, they should be able to continue finding results. A major advantage for them is they're the more experienced side, with this squad reaching the MLS Cup finals last year. They look to come back there and backing up their win against Austin by grabbing one more three-pointer in Texas would be the way to go.
It will be a tough game nonetheless, as both teams have been silent in terms of goals. However, the four scored by Portland are indications enough that they should have the upper hand. Their attack is doing its job, with Charra bagging two goals, and Bill Tuiloma and Dairon Asprilla bagging one each. If they can get their defense in line and stop conceding late goals, we should be seeing a Portland win at the end.
Final Dallas-Portland Prediction & Pick
This is an incredibly difficult game to predict. Both teams have their merits and while it is usually smarter to pick the home team in these situations, Portland can definitely pull this off. While a draw might be an option as well, Portland should dispose of Dallas without any problems. Back the Portland Timbers to win away at Dallas.
Final Dallas-Portland Prediction & Pick: Portland (+280)
