What to expect
We expect about 2.1 goals from Chicago Fire and 1.5 from Portland Timbers, so Chicago Fire come out ahead by a nose. Put together, that is around 3.6 goals in the game, and a match we expect to open up at both ends.
Portland Timbers come into this on two straight wins. Recent results are only ever part of the story, but they are worth knowing before kick-off.
Our pick: Under 3.5 goals. This has the look of a cagey, low-scoring game — around 3.6 goals in total (xG 2.1-1.5), keeping it under more often than not (about 60%). Clear chances should be at a premium.
We put the chance of that landing at about 60 out of 100. The price on offer is 1.97, which works out at about 51 out of 100. That gap is the whole reason this is on the site: we rate it more likely than the price does, and the price looks good to us because of it.
Recent meetings
One thing to watch
A goal against the run of play opens the game up, and a tight total can slip away fast. At around 60% on our numbers, it's a solid lean rather than a certainty.
