Portland Timbers vs. Los Angeles FC 9/9/23 MLS Soccer Odds

Portland Timbers (7-9-11) vs. Los Angeles FC (11-7-8)

Portland Timbers vs. Los Angeles FC 9/9/23 – The MLS is heating up, and this Saturday, September 9, 2023, promises an exhilarating match as the Los Angeles FC (11-7-8) journey to Providence Park to face off against the Portland Timbers (7-9-11). This contest will air on ATV and much of the attention will be on the men guarding the nets—Aljaz Ivacic for the Portland Timbers and John McCarthy for Los Angeles FC.

The Timbers have found themselves on the back foot this season, with a goal difference of -12 coming from 32 goals scored and 44 conceded. They have earned only 30 points, averaging a modest 1.11 points per match. Their save rate sits at 67.5%, which does not inspire much confidence. The team’s xG is at 27.5, and their xGA is at an alarmingly high 36.5. On disciplinary matters, they’ve collected 69 yellow cards.

Los Angeles FC, on the other hand, looks to be in robust form. They have collected 40 points and have a positive goal difference of +10. Their save rate is stronger at 73.0%, and they have maintained 9 clean sheets. In the expected goals metrics, LAFC shines with an xG of 42.7 and a much lower xGA of 30. This team seems more disciplined too, with just 52 yellow cards. Check out our free expert soccer picks

Portland Timbers vs. Los Angeles FC Game Info

Portland Timbers GK Aljaz Ivacic vs. Los Angeles FC GK John McCarthy

Aljaz Ivacic has a less-than-stellar track record this season. His save percentage of 67.5% is far from reassuring for Timbers’ fans. With a high goals-against rate of 1.83 per 90 minutes, Ivacic will need to step up significantly to withstand LAFC’s high-octane offense. He has managed to keep the sheet clean only 9 times in 65 starts, yielding a low clean sheet percentage of 13.8%. Ivacic is undoubtedly under pressure, and his performance could be the turning point for Portland in this match.

In contrast, John McCarthy for LAFC brings a wealth of experience and better stats into this match. With a save rate of 66.4% and a goals-against average of 1.57, McCarthy gives LAFC a solid chance at maintaining defensive integrity. His clean sheet rate is a more promising 21.2%, nearly double that of his counterpart. Given his consistency and form, McCarthy can be the linchpin for an LAFC victory.

Odds/Point Spread: Los Angeles FC +130, Total Odds: 4

According to the odds and recent performance, betting on LAFC with a Moneyline of +130 appears promising. For those seeking higher returns, the spread for LAFC at -1 with +390 also offers an enticing option. As both teams have shown a propensity for scoring, Over 2.5 at +110 could be a wise total to bet on.

Portland Timbers Betting Trends

Despite a mediocre season, Portland Timbers have done exceptionally well against the spread, with a 5-0 record in their last five games. However, their recent form has been spotty, with a 1-1 record in their last five matches. The totals have leaned toward the Over in recent games, especially at home, suggesting a potential high-scoring affair.

Los Angeles FC Betting Trends

LAFC has been inconsistent against the spread recently, posting a 1-4 record in their last five matches. Their overall form stands at 1-2 in the last five games, signaling some vulnerabilities. However, their matches have frequently seen Over totals, making this a game where goals could be abundant.

Portland Timbers vs. Los Angeles FC 9/9/23 Betting Picks

Given the analysis, Los Angeles FC emerges as the clear favorite. The predicted scoreline would be a 3-1 victory for LAFC, which aligns with both the Moneyline and Over 2.5 goals bet. As the teams prepare to battle at Providence Park, the odds and stats seem to favor Los Angeles FC. However, soccer is unpredictable, and anything can happen. That said, this match is shaping up to be a thrilling encounter, promising to deliver both entertainment and high-stakes action for fans and bettors alike. For more insights, check out our free accurate sports picks today.