Major League Soccer’s Western Conference Portland Timbers host Eastern Conference side Orlando City on Friday. Both clubs are struggling and a victory could completely change their outlook for the rest of the season.
Portland Timbers sit 10th in the Western Conference having collected 24 points from a possible 54. Manager Giovanni Savarese’s team is five points away from the Western Conference’s top seven. The top seven teams in the conference qualify for the MLS playoffs.
Savarese’s team is undefeated in four of their last five matches collecting 10 points from 15 possible. Four of Portland Timbers’ last six matches have ended in over 2.5 goals scored.
Orlando City have been in good form as well. The Lions are undefeated in four of their last six league matches. Orlando City have picked up 10 points from 18 possible. Manager James O’Connor has seen his side take four points from their last six possible.
The Lions are coming off of a 1-0 win over Columbus Crew in their last match. Four of Orlando City’s last six matches ended with over 1.5 goals scored.
Although Portland Timbers are tied for the second lowest home points total this season, seven, they have played just four games at their own ground. The club’s Providence Park was not ready for the start of the season due to renovation work. They have only just returned to their own ground.
Orlando City will be without Cristian Higuita due to a hamstring injury and Shane O’Neill who is recovering from a concussion.
In comparison, Portland Timbers have an extensive injury list. Six players are out of action or a game time decision for Savarese including two goalkeepers, Jeff Attinella and Aljaz Ivacic. Attinella had been Savarese No. 1 until his recent injury issues. He could return against Orlando City, however.
Portland Timbers and Orlando City have played just four times in their histories. The home side has won three of the four meetings. The only match in which the away team won was during the 2015 season as Orlando City were victorious at Providence Park.
The Lions have won three of their four all-time meetings versus Portland Timbers outscoring them 9-6. All four of their meetings ended in over 1.5 goals while three of the matches saw over 2.5 goals tallied.
Former Manchester United forward Nani leads Orlando City in goals this season with eight while Tesho Akindele has tallied six.
Orlando City should continue their dominance against Portland Timbers on Friday as the match sees over 2.5 goals scored. Orlando City’s Dom Dwyer scored the winner in their 3-2 victory over Portland Timbers last term. He could find the back of the net once more.
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