On the night of Monday, October 7, the Portland Timbers will host FC Dallas in an MLS regular season match. The game is set to kick off at 1:00 AM Central European Time. Sportsmacro experts have analyzed the matchup and provided their predictions.
Portland Timbers
The team is in a battle for a playoff spot. After 32 matches, the Timbers have amassed 45 points, putting them in fifth place in the MLS standings. With only two games left in the regular season, Portland holds a six-point cushion over their nearest competitor, meaning that even a single point in this upcoming match will guarantee their playoff berth.
However, the team’s recent performance has been lacking. The Timbers haven’t won in their last three outings, with two draws and a loss. In their last five games, they’ve secured just one win, alongside two losses and two draws. It’s worth noting that last season, Portland missed the playoffs by a mere point. Now, they have a strong chance to advance to the knockout rounds.
Dallas
The Texas team is out of the playoff race. Like Portland, Dallas competes in the MLS Western Conference and currently sits in 11th place with 37 points after 32 matches—eight points behind the Timbers. The highest Dallas can hope for is to move up one spot, as they trail the team ahead by just one point.
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In their last five matches, Dallas has struggled, managing only one win, one draw, and three losses. Unlike last season, when they advanced to the MLS playoffs’ round of 16, that outcome isn’t in the cards for them this year.
Key Facts about the match
- The Portland Timbers are winless in their last three matches.
- FC Dallas has dropped their last two games.
- Notably, the Timbers have not lost to Dallas at home in their last seven encounters.
Probable Lineups
- Portland Timbers: Crepeau; Mosquera, Zuparic, Miller, Bravo; Chara, Ayala; Antony, Evander, Rodriguez; Mora
- Dallas: Maurer; Tafari, Ibeagha, Farfan; Ruan, Illarramendi, Lletget, Arriola; Velasco; Kamungo, Ferreira
Head-to-Head (H2H)
In their last encounter, FC Dallas secured a narrow 3-2 victory over the Timbers.
Portland Timbers vs Dallas Prediction
Both teams have been facing challenges in their recent matches. With no chance of making the playoffs, Dallas may lack motivation. Meanwhile, Portland has secured their playoff spot and has a strong home record against Dallas. Given these factors, I’m betting on a Portland Timbers victory, with odds of 1.5.
