Houston Dynamo v Portland Timbers Predictions, Betting Tips and Previews

Sunday 30 July – BBVA Compass Stadium – Major League Soccer

It’s third against fourth in the MLS Western Conference, as Wilmer Cabrera’s Houston Dynamo welcome the Portland Timbers to Texas. With a game in hand over the visitors, it’s a great chance for the Dynamo to open up a gap.

Past Meetings

The last time the two teams met in March, the Timbers recorded a 4-2 win over Houston. In this corresponding fixture last season, the Dynamo ran out 3-1 winners courtesy of a Mauro Manotas hat-trick. Another victory for the hosts would even up the history of this fixture at four wins and four draws apiece.

Team News

With 12 goals already this season, Mexican Erick Torres could return to the Houston Dynamo after the Gold Cup. The forward was part of the team that was shocked by Jamaica in the semi-final, not that Houston head coach Cabrera will be complaining. Elsewhere, midfielder Eric Alexander is nearing a return but isn’t expected to play just yet.

David Valeri bagged a brace against the Dynamo earlier in the season, and will be a major threat once again. The visitors will be without Liam Ridgewell however, after the defender aggravated a quad injury in training earlier this month. Jack Barmby, Diego Chara and Vytas could all miss out too.

Houston Dynamo v Portland Timbers Preview and Predictions

This is a big game for the Houston Dynamo, who need to get back on track if they want to have any hope of winning the Supporters’ Shield. The Portland Timbers meanwhile must build on an encouraging result last time out.

After a run of four MLS games without a win, the Dynamo have now taken seven points from their last three matches. With a six point lead over the seventh placed San Jose Earthquakes, their playoff place looks relatively secure. This could all change very quickly though, and they can’t afford to take their foot off the gas. The hosts start this game as favourites in the betting, priced at 17/20.

The visiting Timbers meanwhile are available at 37/10. Caleb Porter’s side ended a run of seven games without a win by beating the Vancouver Whitecaps at the weekend. It was a huge victory for the Oregon outfit, but they need to follow it up with some more strong results. If you think this one will end up a draw, you can back this at 29/10.

Recommended Bets

Houston Dynamo to win and over 3.5 goals at 17/5

Five of the last six games between these two teams have seen a home win. And five of the last six games have seen over 3.5 goals too.

The 0-0 draw at 16/1

Or if you think the result will fly in the face of history, this is a decent price for a goalless stalemate.