Portland Timbers vs Colorado Rapids Prediction and Betting Tip - Odds, H2H and Preview Predictions

Portland Timbers vs Colorado Rapids Preview

At this stage of the season over in Major League Soccer, we are starting to get a more incisive idea as to which teams will be the ones to watch over the duration of their seasons.

Last season's champions, LA Galaxy, are enduring a torrid start to the season with just 4 points in 15 games and, alternatively, just 4 points separate table-topping Vancouver Whitecaps from 7th place in a hotly-contested start to the battle for the Supporters Shield.

Two teams looking to build momentum toward that fight, sat in 13th and 15th with just a point between them, are Portland Timbers and Colorado Rapids, who will commence battle against one another in a hot MLS midfield fight in the early hours of Thursday morning (for UK viewers).

Key Statistics

• Just one point separates the two sides after 15 matches, with both looking to build momentum
• The Timbers are seeking a first win in 5 games, with league draws to Real Salt Lake and Seattle Sounders being followed with a US Open Cup exit to San Jose Earthquakes and a league loss to Orlando City
• Colorado, meanwhile, come into the game in good form after beating Real Salt Lake and St Louis City in their last two games, following a run of three straight defeats in the league
• USA youngster Darren Yapi will be one to watch, with the 20-year-old bagging the winner against St Louis last time out

Portland Timbers Preview

Predicted Starting Lineup: Crepeau; Mosquera, Surman, Zuparic, Fory, Paredes, Ayala, da Costa, Alves, Fernandes, Kelsy

Portland are a side looking to build some consistency in their MLS results so far this season.

The Timbers lost just two of their opening 9 fixtures, but a mix of draws and wins from their other 7 have seen them rooted in mid-table, and now currently look to bypass a winless run of four in their last few games.

They'll have to contend with an in-form Colorado side, who have broken their losing streak in fine fashion with two straight wins.

Phil Neville's side will go into the game with a few injury doubts, with experienced defender Zac McGraw among those absent from their loss to Orlando last time out.

Colorado Rapids Preview

Predicted Starting Lineup: Defreitas-Hansen; Cannon, Maxso, Murphy, Travis, Larraz, Atencio, Yapi, Ku-DiPietro, Bassett, Mihailovic

Having lost three on the trot to D.C., San Jose and San Diego, The Rapids have done a fine job in getting back to winning ways after professional 1-0 victories over Salt Lake and St Louis.

Darren Yapi was the man to thank in the latter fixture, with the youngsters 3rd MLS goal of the season in the 41st minute proving to be the difference-maker.

With little to split the two sides, expect a tightly-fought contest bearing similarity to both of Colorado's previous clashes, with the Mid-Western side looking to set themselves up as a hard to beat side.

Like Portland, Colorado have doubts of their own in their personnel, with former Manchester City prospect Zack Steffen amongst the absentee's in their win over St Louis.

Where to Watch

You can catch this game early morning on Thursday, 29th of May. Kick-off is live on Apple TV at 3:30am.

Portland Timbers vs Colorado Rapids Betting Tip

Portland Timbers take things slow and steady in the first half, preferring to grow into their games instead of an all-guns-blazing approach, and Colorado have rarely been huge threats in the opening 45 either.

As such, our expert tipsters have opted our best market option to be Half-Time - Draw, calling for both sides to remain level at the break.

You can get this market at odds of 2.5 over at QuinnBet, meaning a £10 stake returns £25!

Portland Timbers vs Colorado Rapids Prediction

Neither side are likely to give up many chances, but the game will likely open out towards the end.

We think Portland have the quality and the desire to stake down a big win, and are going with a 2-1 win for the hosts.