Philadelphia Union vs Portland Timbers Prediction & Betting Tips - Major League Soccer

Prediction published on 03/08/2020, 06:15  by James | Modified on 03/08/2020 at 07:15 in Football Predictions

Philadelphia Union and Portland Timbers face off in the semi-final of the MLS is Back tournament later in the week. The winners of the tournament qualify for the 2021 CONCACAF Champions League. Portland Timbers swept New York City FC aside in their quarter-final, recording a 3-1 after initially falling behind. Philadelphia Union won their quarter-final by the same scoreline against Sporting Kansas City but the goal that they conceded was a consolation goal following three early strikes. Portland have yet to keep a clean sheet in this tournament but that hasn't been a problem because of the rate at which they have been scoring. They have scored at least two goals in four of their five matches and average two goals per game. Philadelphia haven't been as prolific, failing to score more than one goal in three of their five matches, leading to an average of 1.6 goals per game. However, their defensive record is much better. They have only conceded three goals across their five games, whereas Portland have conceded twice as many, six. Both teams have goal threats with Portland's Jeremy Ebobisse and Philadelphia's Sergio Santos on three goals apiece. The brilliant talent to look out for, and a contender for Player of the Tournament, is titchy Portland playmaker Sebastian Blanco. The Argentine attacker is only 5'5 but he has used his small stature to his advantage, setting up a tournament-best five goals.

Portland finished sixth in the Western Conference last season while Philadelphia finished third in the Eastern Conference. Separate seasons aside, Portland have an advantage over Philadelphia in the head-to-head department, winning their last four encounters. The last three matches between the teams saw Portland score three goals. With this in mind and the form of Blanco, we suggest backing the Timbers to progress to the final.