Portland Timbers vs Philadelphia Union: Betting Odds & Prediction
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The Portland Timbers look to return to winning ways against a stuttering Philadelpha Union side on Sunday.
Kick-off is set for 2:30am UK time at Providence Park.
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Portland Timbers
Portland find themselves third in the Western Conference after four matches, only three points behind Conference leaders Minnesota United. They did suffer their first loss of the season last time out though, succumbing to a 1-0 away defeat to Houston Dynamo.
Nevertheless, the Timbers remain undefeated in their two home fixtures so far this campaign (W1, D1). Despite averaging an expected goals (xG) tally of only 1.03 at home, Portland have remarkably averaged three goals so far. Their attacking exploits have however left them vulnerable at the back, with an average expected goals against (xGA) tally of 2.02 on home soil. They have slightly exceeded this metric though, only conceding an average of 1.5 goals at home so far.
Games at Providence Park have averaged a total of 4.5 goals this campaign.
Philadelphia Union
Philadelphia have drawn all three of their matches this season, leaving them 13th in the MLS' Eastern Conference. Jim Curtin's side drew 2-2 away at Austin FC last time out.
Despite their tame form so far, Philadelphia have shown promise going forward with an average xG of 1.52 on the road compared to an average of 1.5 goals scored. They have however shown greater vulnerability on their travels, averaging an xGA of 1.46 compared to only 1.15 at home. Despite this, Philadelphia have peculiarly conceded more on the road (1.5 per game) than they have on home turf (two per game) so far.
Prediction
Despite a disappointing result last weekend, Portland have been in free-scoring form so far at Providence Park this season while conceding a relatively low amount despite their defensive projections. Philadelphia have also proven easier to create against on their travels, and so the home victory is the sensible pick here.
OddsNow's Pick: Portland Timbers to win (5/4 @ bet365)