It's still almost freakishly strange to see the legit possibility in play of both the Portland Timbers and Seattle Sounders missing the playoffs in the MLS. Portland is just barely on the right side of the playoff cut line going into this match with the Sounders, the latter of which are only one point behind with a match in hand. This opportunity to walk out of Providence Park with points is one that Seattle will surely be cherishing.
Don't miss the MLS action from Providence Park at 5 p.m. ET on Sunday, August 28, 2016. Catch every moment of the match live on ESPN.
Soccer Odds at BookMaker.eu
Portland Timbers +105
Seattle Sounders +260
Draw +230
Over/Under 2.5
Odds Analysis
They say that teams are just different at home and away, and that couldn't be more true, especially of the Timbers. They are a dominant 8-2-3 at Providence Park this year, yet they still can't manage to get anything out of their matches on the road. Portland is a woeful 0-6-7 on the road this season.
Still, with this match being played in front of the raucous fans at Providence Park, the Timbers are the +105 moneyline favorites in what is basically a 50/50 proposition between them getting three points and being saddled with a less than ideal result.
The total of 2.5 with -120 vig on the over feels a little low, especially considering the fact that these two teams combined for four goals just a few days ago up in Seattle.
Key Injuries
The injury report hasn't changed much for these two teams. The Timbers lost the injury battles with Darren Mattocks, Ben Zemanski and Zarek Valentin last week even though all three men were considered questionable, and they're all questionable once again for this duel as well.
Seattle is going to be getting back Roman Torres soon from his torn ACL that has cost him the entire season to date, but that return probably won't be this Sunday.
Recent Form
Clint Dempsey has been on fire over the course of the last several weeks, including when he logged a brace in this match last weekend against the Timbers. Portland did score in stoppage time to make the final score a little nicer, but it's hard to say that 3-1 result wasn't deserved for the hosts.
If Jake Gleeson is going to be facing 17 shots in this match as he did last weekend, the Timbers and their perky home record will surely be tested, though again, it's worth noting that this team for whatever reason really is tremendously different at home and away.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
Portland is certainly trending in the wrong direction, while Seattle has stormed to 10 points in its last four matches to get right back in the thick of the playoff chase in the West. Many are going to find the price of nearly 3 to 1 on the Sounders quite appealing, but it's worth remembering that they have had to play an extra match this week in Houston, and they only have two road wins this season against seven losses.
So sure, these two teams might be heading into different directions, and their respective spots above and below the cut line might inevitably be changing soon. However, until the Timbers turn out a truly embarrassing performance at home, we're going to get on their backs while we can get a really good price on their heads. Portland should be much better than it is, and with Fanendo Adi likely back in the Starting XI in this one, the Timbers should be looking for a much better result. Don't be shocked if the tables are turned on the Sounders on Sunday afternoon in the PDX.
MLS Odds: Portland 2, Seattle 1
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