Leon vs Portland Timbers Prediction: Portland Timbers are favored to edge out Club León in a high-scoring affair, with a predicted final score of 3-2 in favor of the home team.
The Leagues Cup continues with an intriguing matchup between Liga MX side Club León and MLS outfit Portland Timbers. This Group West 5 encounter is set to take place at Providence Park in Portland, Oregon on July 29, 2024 at 2:30 AM local time.
Projected Leon vs Portland Timbers Lineups and Team News
Club León enter this match with some injury concerns. Manager Jorge Bava will likely deploy his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation.
León Projected XI: Reyes, Frias, Guerra, Blanco, Ambriz, Cadiz, Bellon, Alvarado, Guardado, Cabral, Barreiro
The Portland Timbers are also dealing with a couple of absences. Head coach Phil Neville is expected to stick with his attacking 4-2-3-1 setup.
Portland Projected XI: Moreno, K. Miller, Antony, Crepeau, Williamson, Bravo, Chara, Rodriguez, Mosquera, Evander, Araujo
Injured and Unavailable Players
Club León:
- Ivan Moreno (Metatarsal injury)
- Federico Vinas (Achilles tendon issue)
Portland Timbers:
- David Ayala (Knock)
- Marvin Loria (Recovering from knee surgery)
Form Guide and Recent Results
León have struggled for consistency lately, failing to win any of their last five matches across all competitions. Their most recent outing ended in a 1-1 draw against Necaxa in Liga MX play, with Jhonder Cadiz netting from the penalty spot.
Portland come into this clash in better form, having won four of their last six MLS fixtures. However, they suffered a 3-2 defeat to LA Galaxy in their previous match despite goals from Santiago Moreno and Jonathan Rodriguez.
Head-to-Head Record
This will be the first ever meeting between Club León and Portland Timbers, adding an element of intrigue to the encounter. León have generally fared well against MLS opposition in the Leagues Cup, winning five of their six matches. Portland, on the other hand, have never beaten a Liga MX side in four previous attempts across all competitions.
Key Players to Watch
For León, Jhonder Cadiz has been in fine goalscoring form, leading the team with three goals in Liga MX Apertura play so far. His ability to convert from the penalty spot could prove crucial.
Portland will look to the prolific Jonathan Rodriguez, who has netted 12 times in MLS action this season. His partnership with Santiago Moreno (6 goals) has been a bright spot for the Timbers.
Tactical Battle
This match presents an interesting clash of styles. León typically dominate possession and look to control the tempo of matches. Portland, while also capable of keeping the ball, have shown a more direct and high-scoring approach in MLS play.
The midfield battle will be key, with León’s experienced duo of Andres Guardado and Ivan Frías looking to dictate play. Portland’s Diego Chara and Eryk Williamson will need to disrupt their rhythm and spring quick counterattacks.
Where to Watch
Fans in the United States can catch the action live on various platforms:
- Fox Sports 1
- UniMás
- TUDN USA
- Foxsports.com
- TUDN.com
- Univision NOW
- MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
León vs Portland Timbers Live Streaming and TV Schedule for other Countries:
- Canada: MLS Season Pass, TSN5
- Mexico: MLS Season Pass
- UK: MLS Season Pass
- Spain: MLS Season Pass
- Germany: MLS Season Pass
- France: MLS Season Pass
- Italy: MLS Season Pass
- Brazil: MLS Season Pass
- Argentina: MLS Season Pass
- Japan: MLS Season Pass
Who Will Win?
While León boast more pedigree in this competition, their recent form has been concerning. Portland’s high-scoring tendencies and home advantage could prove decisive. Expect an entertaining, back-and-forth encounter with plenty of goals.
Leon vs Portland Timbers Prediction: Portland Timbers 3-2 Club León
The Timbers’ attacking firepower should be enough to overcome León’s experience in what promises to be a thrilling Leagues Cup clash.
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