MLS Preview: Portland Timbers vs. Los Angeles FC Prediction, Odds, and Picks (Sep 9)

• LAFC trying to recuperate from a disappointing 3-1 loss at home to Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami.
• Six of the Portland Timbers’ seven wins in the 2023 MLS happened at Providence Park.
• Each of the last 12 Timbers vs. LAFC MLS duels saw both teams scoring.

Portland Timbers vs. Los Angeles FC is a duel between two MLS Western Conference rivals that will take place on Saturday, September 9 at Providence Park in Portland, Oregon. Even though LAFC is a much better team than the Timbers, the hosts hope that the MLS Cup winners are still shaken by the heavy loss they suffered to Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami in the previous round.

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How to Watch

• When: Saturday, September 9, 2023, at 10:30 p.m ET
• Where: Providence Park, Portland, Oregon
• How to Watch: Apple TV

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Odds

Game Result	Odds
Portland Timbers
Draw
Los Angeles FC

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Game Preview

Los Angeles FC is the defending MLS champion whose 2023 roster differs a little bit from the one that won the MLS Cup last season. Gareth Bale, a Welsh superstar who shone in the playoffs, is no longer playing soccer professionally. Plus, Cristian Arango, who was LAFC’s top scorer last season, has left the club.

Despite all that, LAFC has been doing okay in 2023. The boys from California are currently third in the West with an 11-7-8 record (40 points). However, their recent form isn’t too great. Since the resumption of the MLS after the Leagues Cup break, they’re 1-0-2, with those two losses happening in their previous two games.

To be fair to Steve Cherundolo’s men, they lost to two teams that are much, much better than their next opponent – Charlotte (2-1) and Inter Miami (3-1).

What’s got to worry them is that they’re playing away from home this Saturday. The first reason why this is a cause for concern is that it’s been a while since LAFC won on the road. These guys are 0-1-3 in their last four away games in the MLS.

READ ALSO: MLS Preview: Inter Miami vs. Sporting Kansas City Prediction, Odds, and Picks (Sep 9)

Further, they’re playing against the Portland Timbers who just love playing on their turf. The evidence of this is that 85.71% of their wins in the 2023 MLS happened at Providence Park.

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Portland Timbers vs. Los Angeles FC Prediction

Each of the last 12 Portland Timbers vs. Los Angeles FC duels in the MLS saw both teams score at least one goal. We’re certain the same will happen on September 9, but it’s LAFC that should hit the net more times than Portland.

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