Portland Tmbers vs Dallas FC Prediction, Preview, And Odds - 7/17/21
Portland has had two weeks to think about its blowout loss to Austin FC and will try to rid that match from its memory when it hosts FC Dallas on Saturday night. Dallas comes into this match having lost a 3-1 final to the LA Galaxy its last time out. The Timbers are currently in ninth place in the Western Conference, putting them just outside the playoff picture.
Portland
Portland needs to find a way to record the full three points in this match. It has been an up-and-down season for the Timbers, who are coming off a 4-1 beatdown at the hands of Austin FC. They lost their previous match to Minnesota, so a bounce-back performance is critical. Portland has only notched four points in its last five contests and has matches against LAFC, Minnesota, and the Galaxy on deck. It is currently in ninth place in the Western Conference, sitting two points behind Minnesota for the seventh spot in the playoffs.
The postseason is very much within reach for the Timbers, but they need to get the wheels moving in this match. They have had 16 days off to prepare and get past the blowout loss to Austin FC. However, there is a lengthy list of injured players and a pair who are out due to international play. Left back Ismaila Jome is dealing with a ruptured Achilles while striker Jaroslaw Niezgoda ruptured his cruciate ligament. Midfielder Cristhian Paredes and winger Andy Polo are both recovering from injuries as well. Eryk Williamson is with the United States for the Gold Cup.
Dallas
FC Dallas has been one of the worst teams in the MLS this season, sitting at 12th place in the Western Conference. However, it is only four points back of seventh place (the final playoff spot), so there is still hope for the fan base. If things are going to change, they will need to forget their last match, where the Galaxy picked up a convincing 3-1 win. Dallas was coming off a pair of decent results, having notched a win over New England and a draw with Vancouver.
It will now go on the road and try to pick up its first-ever win at Providence Park on Saturday. Dallas should have a bit of confidence heading into this match having picked up a 4-1 win at home against Portland on May 1. The only problem is it has only been victorious once since then—the aforementioned win over New England. Dallas has allowed at least one first-half goal in seven straight matches. It has lost all five of its road matches this season. Goalkeeper Kyle Zobeck is still dealing with a hamstring injury and winger Beni Redzic is recovering from ankle surgery.
Spread (Dallas +290)
This is a pretty nice price on Dallas to spring the upset between a pair of teams who are not that far apart. The narrative going into this match will be about Portland’s playoff chances, but Dallas can be right in the mix with three points on Saturday night. Another narrative will be all the rest that the Timbers have, but I do not think this is an ideal scheduling spot. They have a ton of players out due to injury and international duty. They are also in a look-ahead spot with several matches against big-time opponents coming up. Dallas should be just as focused and has a great shot at springing the upset.
Total (Over 3)
While players being out can hurt the offensive attack, it can also provide more opportunities. Both of these teams witnessed that in their previous matches, as poor play at midfield led to various scoring opportunities. Dallas is without its goalkeeper, which has been a huge blow to its defense lately. These are both rested teams coming into this match, so I expect the offenses to be attacking throughout the night. Neither team has been solid on defense. This should be a high-scoring affair that goes over the total.
Teaser
Portland and Dallas both need to record three points to remain relevant in the Western Conference playoff race.
