The 2024 edition of MLS returns to the fold with another set of matches this weekend as Portland Timbers take on an impressive Real Salt Lake side in an important encounter at Providence Park on Saturday. Both teams have stepped up to the plate this season and will want to win this game.
Portland Timbers vs Real Salt Lake Preview
Real Salt Lake are in second place in the MLS Western Conference standings and have been in excellent form this season. The away side thrashed Atlanta United by a comprehensive 5-2 scoreline last week and will be confident ahead of this fixture.
Portland Timbers, on the other hand, are in fifth place in the league table and have stepped up to the plate this season. The Timbers eased past Nashville SC by a 4-1 scoreline in their previous game and will look to achieve a similar result this weekend.
Portland Timbers vs Real Salt Lake Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- Real Salt Lake have a slight edge over Portland Timbers and have won 15 out of the 39 matches played between the two teams, as opposed to Portland Timbers' 14 victories.
- Real Salt Lake have won only two of their last 16 matches away from home against Portland Timbers in the regular season of MLS and are winless in their last seven such games in the competition.
- Portland Timbers scored their four goals in their 4-1 victory against Nashville SC last week in 11 minutes.
- Diego Luna picked up three assists and a goal against Atlanta United last week.
Portland Timbers vs Real Salt Lake Prediction
Real Salt Lake have been in exceptional form over the past year and were ruthless against Atlanta United last week. Cristian Arango has been prolific for his side so far and will look to add to his goal tally in this match.
Portland Timbers can pack a punch on their day and have managed to improve over the past year. Real Salt Lake are in better form, however, and should be able to win this game.
Prediction: Portland Timbers 1-3 Real Salt Lake
Portland Timbers vs Real Salt Lake Betting Tips
Tip 1: Result - Real Salt Lake to win
Tip 2: Game to have over 2.5 goals - Yes
Tip 3: Real Salt Lake to score first - Yes
Tip 4: Cristian Arango to score - Yes