The hosts will be looking to restore pride in this rivalry after their MLS Cup defeat last season but our tipster is backing value in the goals market
The latest edition of one of the fiercest rivalries in MLS takes place on Sunday night as Portland Timbers make the short trip north to face Seattle Sounders.
Portland currently hold the bragging rights in this fixture, which dates back to 1975, having won 2-1 at CenturyLink Field in the US Open Cup in June, meaning Seattle will be out for revenge this time around.
Latest Odds
William Hill make the Sounders 10/11 (1.91) favourites to stay second in the Western Conference with three points here, whilst the draw is a 27/10 (3.70) shot.
The Timbers ousted Seattle in the MLS play-offs last season and are 13/5 (3.60) to get another one over their rivals.
Team News
Seattle are missing Will Bruin, who tore his ACL in June and will be out for the rest of the campaign, whilst Victor Rodriguez is also out.
Portland will definitely be without Marco Farfan, whilst Modou Jadama and Jorge Villafana are unlikely to be fit.
Preview
Sunday’s hosts are certain to have a chip on their shoulder going into this one, having lost in the cup just a month ago and been dumped out of last season’s play-offs on penalties to the Timbers.
However, Brian Schmetzer’s men have won just one of the last five regular season MLS matches against their rivals and not beaten them at home since May 2017, so it is tough to justify them at odds-on.
The goals market, instead, looks the way to go. Including last season’s two-legged post-season affair, the last five meetings between the sides have seen 17 goals, with both teams scoring in all but one of those fixtures.
Tips and Predictions
Backing goals at both ends comes in at just 4/7 (1.57), so instead there could be value in backing Both Score No Draw at 13/10 (2.30).
Just two of the last 14 regular season MLS matches between Seattle and Portland have ended all-square, with both teams to score also landing on seven of those occasions.
Both Score No Draw at 13/10 (2.30) for a 1pt stake with William Hill
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