Columbus and Portland have previously met in MLS Cup, but this time the stakes are higher, with both teams vying for postseason spots. Check out our MLS betting predictions for the Crew vs. Timbers matchup on Sunday.
Photo By – USA TODAY Sports
The Columbus Crew and Portland Timbers meet on Sunday afternoon, both trying to solidify their playoff spots with only a few games left in the regular season.
The Timbers are on a four-game winning streak and are playing their best soccer at the perfect time, while the Crew have only lost two of their previous 18 games and are unbeaten at home.
Check out my free choices and OKbet predictions for the Crew vs. Timbers game, which takes place on September 18.
OKbet Betting Picks and predictions for Columbus Crew vs. Portland Timbers
Columbus produces ties more frequently than Santa Claus distributes gifts. In 47 percent of their encounters, both sides received a share of the spoils. Lower.com Field had five draws, including three of the last six.
The Crew enter the match with the final Eastern Conference playoff berth, two points ahead of Atlanta and Miami and one point behind Cincinnati and Orlando. Manager Caleb Porter cannot afford to lose a home game with only four games remaining and will prepare his team to minimize the possibility of defeat. and forecasts
Columbus has a competent team at Lower.com Field, but it is far from a powerhouse. The Crew have the fifth-worst home record in the Eastern Conference, with 23 points from 15 games.
Portland, like Columbus, has a habit of drawing games. This season, the Timbers have drawn 12 games, the most in the Eastern Conference and joint-second most in MLS. Unlike Columbus, the Timbers, who have only won one of their last four road games, will be pleased with a tie.
Portland is sixth in the Western Conference, five points ahead of the eighth-place Los Angeles Galaxy, who are on the outside looking in. Los Angeles has a game in hand, but with three games remaining, Portland is still slightly ahead of Columbus.
While Columbus fans will be disappointed to see their beloved team play for a tie, the significance of the game and the sides’ parity should result in a sharing of the spoils.
My best bet is for both teams to score and for the game to end in a draw (+375 at OKbet).
OKbet Bettings Side Analysis for Columbus Crew vs. Portland Timbers
Neither club can afford to lose the crucial match on Sunday. Portland is on fire, but it is due for a setback. However, Savarese is a wise manager who will prepare his team to survive an early Columbus attack.
Portland has 23 away goals, which is tied for second in the Western Conference. However, its offensive brilliance will be put to the test against a Columbus Crew team that has only allowed 13 goals at Lower.com Field.
Columbus boasts the Eastern Conference’s joint-second-best home defense, providing a great litmus test for a Portland offense that is comfortable in hostile terrain. More than likely, Columbus’ strong defense will neutralize Portland’s spectacular offense, resulting in a tie. OKbet Betting Predictions
OKbet Bettings Over/Under analysis for Columbus Crew vs. Portland Timbers
This head-to-head competition has historically been a breeding ground for goals. Three or more goals have been scored in the last seven encounters between Columbus and Portland in all competitions. Furthermore, Portland had scored at least two goals in each of its previous seven games against the Crew.
Portland’s last six road games all went Over, and five of those six also saw more than three goals.
However, Columbus concedes fewer than a goal per game at home and recognizes the significance of this matchup. The Crew will invariably shore up at the back in order to prevent one of the most prolific offensive road teams from playing with freedom and adventure.
Best International Friendly bonuses
If you’re signing up for a new sportsbook for some International Friendly betting, here are two of the best bonuses* available:
A) Get up to 68%! Deposit Bonus at OKbet. Sign Up Now
B) Enjoy OKbet Securty, Birthday, Refer a Friend Bonuses and More! Sign Up Now
