Mayra Madrigal
The 2023 MLS season started last weekend with 13 matches played between Saturday, February 25 and Monday, February 27. However, two teams, including defending champions LAFC, were absent from the action. LAFC will finally make their debut on Matchday 2 in a clash against the Portland Timbers on Saturday, March 4.
The Portland franchise secured a victory in their first game, which could boost their confidence going into the upcoming match against LAFC. Despite missing the first matchday, LAFC is expected to perform well, as they have been active in friendly matches. Typically, games between these two teams are exciting, and this one should be no exception, even though it is at the start of the season.
As a provider of the best MLS sports betting information and predictions, JefeBet strives to offer accurate and reliable insights to our customers. With that in mind, we believe that the Los Angeles FC vs Portland Timbers match will be an intriguing encounter. Here are our predictions on the game.
Predictions, Odds, and Betting Preview for the Los Angeles FC vs Portland Timbers MLS Matchday 2 Game on March 4, 2023
- Where: Banc of California Stadium, Los Angeles, California
- When: Saturday, March 04, 2023, 4:30 PM E.T.
- BetMGM Moneyline: LAFC (-210) / Draw (+350) / Portland Timbers (+500)
- DraftKings Asian Handicap: LAFC (AH -1.5, +125) / Portland Timbers (AH +1.5, -175)
- Over/Under (2.5): Over (-185) / Under (+125)
- Both teams score: Yes (-140) / No (+100)
Odds provided by BetMGM and DraftKings.
[the_ad_placement id=”sports-futbol”]
Betting on Los Angeles FC
LAFC had a remarkable 2022 season that led to the club’s first-ever championship. With a record of 21 victories, four ties, and nine losses in the 34 regular season games, they were the most successful club in the Western Conference. Additionally, it had the most goals tallied (66) and the fewest goals allowed (38).
They will make his start this weekend because el Tráfico against LA Galaxy had to be postponed because of bad weather. The Los Angeles team has played five friendlies since the beginning of the year, winning the last two and scoring in the last four.
Probable lineup (4-3-3): John McCarthy; Ryan Hollingshead, Jesús Murillo, Giorgio Chiellini, Diego Palacios; Timothy Tillman, José Cifuentes, Kellyn Acosta; Kwadwo Opoku, Denis Bouanga, Carlos Vela.
Betting on Portland Timbers
The Portland Timbers kicked off the season with a 1-0 victory over Sporting KC, demonstrating a strong start to the season. The team had previously faced Sporting KC in a friendly match and was able to replicate their winning formula from that game.
In the 2022 regular season, the Timbers closed out with a 3-1 loss to Real Salt Lake. However, the team is currently in excellent form, having not lost any of their four friendly matches and maintaining a five-game unbeaten streak, including their recent victory in their season debut. Impressively, the Timbers have kept a clean sheet in three out of those five games.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): David Bingham; Juan Mosquera, Dario Zuparic, Zac McGraw, Justin Rasmussen; Eryk Williamson, Diego Chará; Yimmi Chará, Evander, Marvin Loría; Jarosław Niezgoda.
JefeBet Prediction
The Los Angeles squad has the honor of playing on its home field for the first time in this game, which may give it the reputation of being the favorite as it was the best home team the previous season with a record of 13 wins, two ties, and two defeats in 17 games.
Three victories in a row were achieved in the semifinals, final, and quarterfinals, all of which were played at home. Both clubs will face a difficult challenge, but LAFC will triumph in their opening game of the year.
Prediction: LAFC wins by a score of 2-1.
