The latest MLS weekend begins late into the early hours of Saturday morning UK time when the Portland Timbers host the New York Red Bulls in a cross-conference contest between two sides who are right in the mix with regards to play-off places in their respective divisions.
The 2015 champions will be looking to make the postseason once again with a bid to defend their crown while the Red Bulls will be eager to make it back to the play-offs so that they can have another shot at finally winning the MLS Cup.
Portland Timbers
The Timbers have been up and down this season. Injuries and international call ups certainly haven’t helped them along the way it has to be said but they have not been able to find the consistency that they have had in previous campaigns. Usually their home form is mustard but they only have one win in their last four on their own patch.
One area where the Timbers have been consistent over a while has been in their attacking core. They are always one of the highest scorers in MLS and this season is no different in that score. They need to sort out a way of tightening up at the back if they are going to win the MLS Cup for a second time.
New York Red Bulls
It took an absolute age for the Red Bulls to get going this season. They have previously been one of the better sides in the regular season but after the departure of Dax McCarty prior to the season they had to change the way they play and only recently have they really come across something that works for them.
A 3-2 defeat to New York City recently ended a run of three wins away from home for the Red Bulls and they will be looking to get back to winning ways here. In all they have won five of their last six matches so they make the trip to Oregon in decent form and should be high on confidence as a result.
Team News
Portland have a number of players questionable for this match including Liam Ridgewell and Fanendo Adi who are huge players for them. Jake Gleeson is another who will be a game time decision.
New York Red Bulls went to extra time in midweek so a number of their regular starters could be rested for this game. Daniel Royer is definitely out with injury while Felipe and Bradley Wright-Phillips are likely to be rested.
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Betting
I can’t hide the fact that Portland Timbers’ inconsistencies worry me but with New York Red Bulls going all the way to extra time as recently as Tuesday night and a number of key players playing the entire 120 minutes for them I have to oppose the Eastern Conference outfit.
One positive for the Timbers is that they are at home and by and large their home form is usually good so I will take them to get back to winning ways at a huge 4/5 given the likely weakness of the Red Bulls side.
Tips
WON – Back Portland Timbers to beat New York Red Bulls for a 5/10 stake at 1.80 with William Hill
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