Real Salt Lake vs Portland Timbers Prediction: A high scoring encounter

A highly-anticipated MLS Western Conference match will see Real Salt Lake take on Portland Timbers on September 22, 2024. Both teams enter the match at different junctures of recent streaks and stakes, as Real Salt Lake is in 2nd place, eager to cement their position atop the league table, while the Portland Timbers are looking to clinch a playoff spot, holding 8th position. This game might be very intense, with each team having powerful attacking options and a clear vulnerability in defense.

Real Salt Lake had an OK season in MLS 2024, ranked second in the Western Conference with 14 wins, 8 draws, and 7 losses. However, they are in a pretty inconsistent run of form because they have only won two of their last five games (2W-3L). Coming into this match, they are at the back of a 3-2 home win over FC Dallas, a match in which both attacking power and defensive lapses were visible. Brayan Vera and Anderson Julio had vital contributions; the latter sealed the win with his brace.

Real Salt Lake has set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation that gives them balance between defense and attack. Against Dallas, they had limited possession-45% of the ball-but were clinical when transitioning into an attack that created three big chances. Even though RSL is very low in possession, it banks on effective utilization of long balls-49%-and set pieces. Where they have struggled most is in the instances of defensive lapses, as indicated by a mere 46% success rate in duels and committing a high 11 fouls. RSL could capitalize on the slow recovery of Portland at the back, given that Anderson Julio is in great form in front of the goal and that they have played several long passes. Moreover, with Portland sending in crosses that were accurate 50% of the time in their last match, RSL's full-backs would be on their toes. However, RSL's tackle defense rate is an encouraging 64%.

Portland Timbers sit in 8th place - on 12 wins, 7 draws, and 10 losses - are in a much more precarious position but remain firmly in the playoff hunt. Recent form is similar to RSL: 2W-1D-2L and coming off an impressive 4-2 home win against LA Galaxy. Evander's brace underlined his attacking qualities, and Portland's conversion of 7 big chances underlines their efficiency in offense. Still, though, the defensive weaknesses remain obvious, as with conceding two consolation goals to Galaxy when in complete control of the game. Timbers prefer to line up in a 4-2-3-1 system, mainly relying on a compact shape at the back and swift transitions.

They created 7 big chances against LA Galaxy while having only 39% possession, underlining how much efficiency over ball control takes precedence. With such high reliance on long balls-63%-and crosses-50% accuracy, Portland really can stretch their opponents, especially when Evander drops deep to operate as a playmaker. Their defensive success rates are somewhat concerning, however, especially how they fare in defending tackles at a poor 42%. That could prove to be big, given some of the overall defensive lapses for RSL. And with their strength wide and adeptness with long balls, Timbers will look to continually bomb crosses into RSL's penalty area, along with depending on set-pieces for scoring chances. 

The head-to-head record in matches between Real Salt Lake and Portland Timbers weighs heavily in the latter's favor. Out of the 20 matches that they have played, Portland Timbers have 12 wins to their name, while Real Salt Lake has managed to win 5 of them and 3 matches have ended as a draw.

Portland has been having the edge over their recent meetings as they have not lost to RSL in the last 3 meetings. The greatest being their last encounter that ended in a 3-0 home win for Portland back in July 2024.

This is a porous, high-scoring open game where both sides can create many chances while being equally vulnerable in defense. Both have tremendous recent streaks of over 2.5 goals matches, and based on the offensive statistics, that appears to be the case here.

Five of RSL's last seven matches have seen over 2.5 goals scored, and Portland has reached this total nine times in its last ten matches. Both teams have strong attacking options, and with their backs being inconsistent, another score-heavy game is in store.

Backed by RSL's vulnerabilities in defense - 3 losses in the last 5 - and Portland's trait of conceding while scoring too, GG looks a compelling choice since both teams are likely to find the back of the net. This is further backed by RSL's 3-2 win over Dallas and Portland's 4-2 win over LA Galaxy.

Both teams have been on a good streak of under 10.5 corners of late. RSL has reached this in 6 of their last 7 and the same for Portland. Considering how both teams rely heavily on long balls rather than intricate build-up play, this game may witness fewer corners compared to other MLS matches.

• Under 11 Corners @ 1.66 Odds
• Under 10.5 Total Corners @ 1.705 Odds
• Exact Goals 4 @ 4.30 Odds