Two in-form teams face each other for MLS betting on Saturday afternoon when Minnesota United welcome the Portland Timbers to Allianz Field.
Thanks to a current six-game unbeaten streak, Minnesota has climbed into third place in the Western Conference, while the Timbers are in contention for a playoff berth after reeling off seven without defeat.
See which will prove the better side with our Minnesota United vs. Portland Timbers picks and predictions for Saturday, July 30.
Minnesota United FC vs Portland Timbers match odds
Odds via the Covers Line, an average comprised of odds from multiple sportsbooks.
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Minnesota United FC vs Portland Timbers betting tips
Predictions made on 7/29/2022 at 11:00 a.m. ET.
Click on each prediction to jump to the full analysis.
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Minnesota United FC vs Portland Timbers game info
• Location: Allianz Field, St. Paul, MN
• Date: Saturday, July 30, 2022
• Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
• TV: ABC, fubo TV
Minnesota United FC vs Portland Timbers betting preview
Weather
It’s going to be hot in Minnesota at kickoff, with temperatures expecting to reach 86F. The forecast calls for moderate 11 mph winds and 35% humidity. No precipitation is expected.
Injuries
Minnesota United FC: Kervin Arragia M (Out), Hassani Dotson M (Out), Jacori Hayes M (Out), Patrick Weah F (Out), Romain Metanire D (Out), Will Trapp M (Out), Tanitoluwa Oluwaseyi F (Out), Emanuel Reynoso M (Questionable).
Portland Timbers: Diego Gutierrez M (Out).
Minnesota United FC vs Portland Timbers predictions
Our side and total predictions are based upon our analysis of the line and total in this game. Our best bet is our favorite pick across all markets.
Side analysis
Minnesota United started the campaign with 18 points from the first 16 games, an anemic run that saw them fall like a lead balloon to the bottom of the Western Conference standings. That miserable start was highlighted by a patch of one victory in eight games, which included three shutout defeats.
Adrian Heath found a way to right the ship and the Loons are now enjoying a rich vein of form that has seen them take 16 from a possible 18 points. Their last loss came over a month ago, a 2-1 setback on the road against Inter Miami. The Loons haven’t tasted home defeat since May 28, a 1-0 loss to New York City FC.
Their seventh-best Western Conference home record certainly doesn’t tell the entire tale. Up and down like a yo-yo, Heath’s side struggled to find consistency at Allianz Field, until recently. They haven’t lost in three matches at home, winning two and drawing one. Even better news for Heath is his team’s record when entertaining Portland. Minnesota United have all won all four meetings against the Timbers in the Twin Cities, a daunting prospect for the away side.
However, like Minnesota, Portland enters the match sizzling hot. Level on points (30) with the Galaxy for the seventh and final playoff spot, Portland hasn’t lost in seven outings, winning four and drawing three. They won their last road contest emphatically, beating the Sounders 3-0. The last loss Giovanni Savarese’s side suffered was on May 28, a 2-1 away setback at Inter Miami.
Akin to Minnesota, the Timbers are prone to streaky patches, replete with extended peaks and troughs. Prior to their current seven-match unbeaten streak, Portland went on woeful run, winning just one of eight. However, it looks like those ominous days are behind the Timbers, who can ill-afford a rocky patch to end the campaign.
Minnesota cannot rest on its laurels either. The Loons are just four points ahead of Portland in the standings, so a loss could possibly drag them into the seventh-place dogfight. Look for the Loons to do everything in their power to avoid defeat, while the Timbers should come out with discernible purpose and intent.
Saturday’s match is perfectly poised for a draw. Minnesota has a lot of injury concerns, which will also hamper their ability to take all three points. Expect both teams to take a share of the spoils in a tightly-contested tie.
Prediction: Draw (+275 at BetMGM)
Over/Under analysis
The Loons are a stingy defensive outfit, particularly at home. They’ve only conceded 10 goals in 11 matches at Allianz Field. Level with Nashville, that’s the third-fewest goals allowed at home in the Western Conference.
Of Minnesota’s last five home games, four have resulted in the Under. Only three of the Loons’ home games all season have gone Over, providing more incentive to bet the Under for Saturday’s contest.
While four of the last five Timbers’ away matches have resulted in the Over, the eight-game sample levels out at 4-4 O/U. The Timbers are due for a low-scoring affair in a tense battle against a tidy defensive Minnesota side.
Prediction: Under 2.5 (+120 at BetMGM)
Best bet
Minnesota hasn’t been shut out since May 28 and Portland has scored at least one goal in all eight matches since May 22. The Loons will be difficult to break down, but Portland has shown their ability to score on hostile terrain. The Timbers scored three at Seattle and two at Nashville in the previous matches.
They also scored a goal in Los Angeles during their 1-1 draw on June 18. Look for the match to follow that script, and, if you’re feeling a bit spicy, lock in a 1-1 score.
Pick: Both teams to score and match ending in a draw (+350 at BetMGM)
