Atlanta United have a chance to move into a tie with the Philadelphia Union for first place in the Eastern Conference with a win over the Portland Timbers on Sunday. The defending MLS Cup champions are sitting on 42 points, and they have won four of their last five matches. However, they have not been sharp on the road, and the Five Stripes haven’t secured a result away from Atlanta since beating Vancouver 1-0 back in May.
Don't miss the Major League Soccer action from Providence Park in Portland, Oregon at 10 p.m. ET on Sunday, August 18, 2019. Catch every moment of the match live on FS1.
MLS Betting Odds at BookMaker.eu
Portland Timbers +107
Atlanta United +228
Draw +281
Over/Under 3
Odds Analysis
The Timbers will start a nine-game homestand on Wednesday, and they will look to make a huge climb up the Western Conference standings. Portland is currently in eighth place in the Western Conference with 34 points, but the club has played just seven home games this season.
Portland has won its last two home games by comfortable margins, pummeling the Los Angeles Galaxy 4-0 back in late July and following that up with a 3-1 victory over Vancouver last weekend. Sebastian Blanco has been magnificent in those matches, notching an assist against the Galaxy and tallying a goal and an assist against the Whitecaps.
Atlanta United are elated after winning the Campeones Cup on Wednesday night. The Five Stripes knocked off Club America 3-2 in a thrilling match that snapped a long streak of Liga MX success over MLS clubs. Josef Martinez scored the game winner, and the club will have another chance to win silverware in two weeks’ time.
In league play, Atlanta have won four of their last five. All four of those wins came at home though, and the Five Stripes have not fared as well away from Mercedes-Benz Stadium. They have lost 8 of 11 road tilts this season.
Key Absences
Goalkeeper Jeff Attinella is out for the year after undergoing shoulder surgery two weeks ago, and two defenders are very unlikely to suit up for Portland in this match. Marco Farfan is dealing with a knee injury and Modou Jadama is hampered with a foot injury.
At least three Atlanta players are set to miss this match. Defender Brek Shea is out for the season due to a knee injury, while midfielder Kevin Kratz is going to be sidelined with a calf injury and forward Brandon Vazquez is dealing with a hip problem.
Player to Watch
Diego Valeri has had another superb season. Valeri is one of the most technically gifted midfielders the league has seen, and he has been the Timbers’ star since joining the club in 2013. He is no longer scoring goals as he has in the past, but he is setting them up at an incredible pace. Valeri has 14 assists this season, and Atlanta must be aware of what he can create with the ball at his feet.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
The Five Stripes were able to rest some of their stars against Club America, as Brad Guzan and Michael Parkhurst were unused subs and Ezequiel Barco only came on in the second half. That will give them some fresh legs ahead of a long road trip for a game on Sunday.
Portland won’t have the benefit of extra rest. The Timbers host the Chicago Fire on Wednesday night, and unlike Atlanta, they have indicated they will use their full starting eleven in their quest to catch the other teams in the West.
That will help Atlanta, and I believe the visitors will find a way to earn a result.
Major League Soccer Odds: Portland Timbers 1, Atlanta United 1
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