Verdict: Home win
Best odds: 9/20
Bookmaker: ZetBet
Los Angeles FC aim to stretch their unbeaten streak to five MLS matches as they host the Portland Timbers at BMO Stadium this weekend.
The two sides are closely matched in the Western Conference table, though LAFC hold a two-point lead and have two games in hand over their visitors.
Los Angeles FC
Los Angeles endured a four-game winless spell across all competitions — including their Club World Cup campaign and their MLS return — but have since regained form.
Their run of three consecutive league wins was snapped last weekend in dramatic fashion, as they conceded a stoppage-time equaliser in a 3-3 thriller against LA Galaxy.
Despite having played the fewest matches in the Western Conference (21), Steve Cherundolo’s side sit fifth with 36 points — seven behind leaders San Diego, who have played three more games.
A victory on Saturday would not only keep LAFC in the hunt for the top spot but also extend both their unbeaten streak and their dominance over Portland.
LAFC have gone four games unbeaten against the Timbers in all competitions since April 2024, with one MLS win, two league draws, and a friendly victory. Notably, their lone MLS triumph in that stretch came at BMO Stadium, where they’ll be confident of repeating the feat.
Team News
However, they will be without Eddie Segura, suspended after a late red card against LA Galaxy. Aaron Long is out for the season with an Achilles injury, while Lorenzo Dellavalle, Maxime Chanot, and Ryan Raposo are nursing leg and head injuries and are expected to return in early August.
Denis Bouanga, who struck twice in the LA derby, now has 13 league goals and will once again be LAFC’s key attacking threat.
Portland Timbers
Phil Neville’s Portland Timbers head to Los Angeles with concerns of their own, having gone three games without a win. They suffered back-to-back defeats before Omir Fernandez salvaged a point with a stoppage-time equaliser in a 1-1 draw against Minnesota United.
While that draw ended their losing streak, overall form remains a worry — the Timbers have managed just one win in their last six MLS outings.
Despite the slump, they sit sixth in the Western Conference with 34 points from 23 matches, though their grip on that spot is fragile and could slip further if the poor run continues.
Their away form is especially troubling, with Portland winless in five consecutive road league games — one draw and four defeats — including losses in each of their last three.
Team News
In terms of absentees, the Timbers will be without Antony, David da Costa, and Jonathan Rodriguez, all sidelined with muscle injuries and not expected back until early August.
Conclusion
Los Angeles enter this clash in strong form, unbeaten in their last four outings and undefeated in their previous three home games, making them clear favourites against a Portland team still searching for consistency.
Verdict: Home win
Best odds: 9/20
Bookmaker: ZetBet
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