With the Gold and Black in prolific form, Al Hain-Cole expects a high-scoring US Open Cup game when Savarese’s men come to town on Wednesday
Los Angeles FC will be looking to extend their formidable home record when they welcome Portland Timbers to the Banc of California Stadium for Wednesday’s US Open Cup quarter-final.
The Black and Gold are undefeated in front of their own fans so far this season, winning nine and drawing one of their 10 fixtures in all competitions.
Latest odds
Unbeaten in three previous home games against this opposition, they are 32/100 (1.32) favourites with William Hill to book their place in the semi-finals by coming out on top once again.
Giovanni Savarese’s men have won five of their last six matches though, and can be backed at 13/2 (7.50) to pull off an upset with a shock victory.
Just one of the five previous encounters between these sides has resulted in a draw, but you can get odds of 4/1 (5.00) on this one remaining tied after 90 minutes.
Team news
Alejandro Guido will face a late fitness test after missing Saturday’s 6-1 win over Vancouver Whitecaps with a quad strain, while Danilo Silva, Adrien Perez and Javier Perez are all injured.
Bill Tuiloma is unlikely to feature as he recovers from a thigh injury, with Jorge Villafana and Jeff Attinella also doubtful.
Preview
This pair also met at this stage of last season’s competition, when Bob Bradley’s team ran out 3-2 winners in an exciting cup clash.
A similar scoreline could well be on the cards once again given the hosts’ prolific recent form, having scored at least 11 goals more than any other MLS outfit.
Indeed, they are averaging almost three goals a game over the course of the season – and have scored 24 times in just the most recent seven.
Considering they have also kept just one clean sheet in eight games, a Timbers side that has only failed to fire once in 14 fixtures will fancy their own chances of getting in on the action.
Predictions
In conclusion, odds of 10/11 (1.91) look well worth backing on over 3.5 goals being scored for LAFC’s sixth game in eight, as well as their fourth meeting in a row with Portland.
Over 3.5 goals at 10/11 (1.91) for a 1.5pt stake with William Hill
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