Prediction: Seattle Sounders vs Portland Timbers

Verdict: Under 3.5 goals

Best Odds: 1/2

Bookmaker: Luckster

Two sides who are seeking some much-needed stability, Seattle will welcome Portland to Lumen Field for what could be a cagey affair on Saturday night.

Seattle Sounders

Starting with the hosts, making an immediate return to losing ways thanks to another toothless display, Seattle have come crashing back down to earth after a bright start to the 2023 campaign. Last seen in midweek getting hit with a 1-0 loss at home against San Jose, Brian Schmetzer’s side are desperately seeking a Western Conference boost. Losing three of their last four MLS appearances, fans around Lumen Field will have a growing headache over their side’s recent issues in the final third. Drawing a blank against the Earthquakes a few days ago, Seattle have bagged just a single MLS strike in almost 300 minutes of action. Likewise, crashing out of the US Open Cup on May 10th following a 3-1 loss away at fellow strugglers LA Galaxy, Saturday’s hosts have mustered just a pair of wins from any of their previous eight domestic appearances across all competitions – a run that stems back to April 26th.

Team News

Once again missing out against San Jose earlier in the week Seattle are still without 27-year-old midfielder Cristian Roldan on Saturday night. However, the Sounders will be able to welcome back Joao Paulo from a one-match suspension here.

Making a second-half cameo in midweek after returning from a recent knock, Raul Ruidaz could be handed a full recall at Lumen Field. Failing to bag a single MLS strike since the start of March, the misfiring Heber could be taken out of the firing line.

Portland Timbers

As for the visitors, also last seen putting their own downbeat display, Portland find themselves in a very similar position to their Western Conference rivals. Although the Timbers might have signed off April enjoying an eye-catching flurry, Giovanni Savarese’s men have failed to keep up that same momentum. Coming off the back of a routine 4-1 drumming away at Sporting Kansas City, the Oregon-based outfit have recorded just a single win from any of their last six domestic appearances. Along with crashing out of the US Open Cup at home against Real Salt Lake last month, Saturday’s guests have shown their own recent struggles in the final third. Including a 1-0 defeat against Minnesota on May 20th, Portland have recorded just a single MLS strike from their previous three attempts. Currently sat outside the play-off places heading into Saturday’s showdown, it should also be highlighted that Savarese’s side have recorded just one win away from Providence Park since the middle of February.

Team News

Dealing with what has become a mounting injury list, Portland will once again be without the likes of Felipe Mora, David Alyala and Eryk Williamson here. However, 31-year-old Dario Zuparic should make a full return after serving a one-match suspension last weekend.

Bagging a consolation strike against Sporting Kansas City last time out and with two goals in his previous four domestic appearances, ex-Ferencvaros striker Franck Boli will lead Savarese’s attack on Saturday night.

Key Factors to Consider

• Four of the previous five MLS meetings between Seattle and Portland have finished with under 3.5 goals.
• Along with losing three of their last four domestic appearances, Seattle have also won just a pair of their previous eight outings.
• Likewise, the Timbers have claimed just a single domestic victory from their previous six domestic appearances across all competitions.
• Both of Saturday’s opponents have scored just a single goal in their last three straight MLS outings.
• Portland have picked up just one win from any of their last nine domestic appearances on the road – a run that stems back to February 12th.

Conclusion

Two sides who are desperate to claim a much-needed MLS boost on Saturday night, neutrals could be treated to a cagey affair from Lumen Field. With Seattle making an immediate return to losing ways earlier in the week following a 1-0 defeat at home against San Jose, the Sounders have lost three of their last four domestic appearances and have failed to find any stability in the final third. Likewise, with both Seattle and Portland mustering just a single strike from either of their last three straight MLS outings, chances could come at a premium this weekend. With four of the last five meetings between Saturday’s opponents finishing with under 3.5 goals, we are backing a similar outcome here.

Verdict: Under 3.5 goals

Best Odds: 1/2

Bookmaker: Luckster