Portland Timbers vs Colorado Rapids Prediction: Portland Timbers are predicted to win 3-1 against Colorado Rapids in their upcoming Leagues Cup match.
The Portland Timbers are set to host the Colorado Rapids in a crucial Leagues Cup Group West 5 encounter at Providence Park on Thursday. This marks Colorado’s first match in the competition, while Portland aims to build on their opening victory against Club León.
Portland Timbers vs Colorado Rapids Lineups and Formations
Predicted Portland Timbers Lineup (Expected 4-2-3-1): McGraw, Zuparic, Chara, Williamson, Rodriguez, Mora, Evander, Bravo, Antony, Mosquera, Crepeau.
Manager Phil Neville is likely to stick with the formation that brought success against León, with Zac McGraw looking to continue his goalscoring form after netting a brace in that match.
Predicted Colorado Rapids Lineup (Expected 4-3-3): Rosenberry, Fernandez, Navarro, Larraz, Ronan, Vines, Steffen, Maxso, Bassett, Bombito, Lewis.
Chris Armas’ side comes into this tournament with momentum from MLS play and will aim to translate that into the Leagues Cup format.
Key Players to Watch
Portland Timbers: Zac McGraw The defender’s unexpected heroics in the previous match make him one to watch. His aerial threat from set-pieces could prove crucial again.
Colorado Rapids: Cole Bassett The midfielder has been in fine form recently and will be key to Colorado’s attacking play.
Injured Players and Unavailable List
Portland Timbers:
- Marvin Loria (knee) – Doubtful
- Kevin Cabral (elbow) – Questionable
Colorado Rapids:
- Jackson Travis (stress fracture) – Out
- Daniel Chacon (knee) – Doubtful
- Adam Beaudry – Unavailable (with USA squad for CONCACAF Under-20 championship)
- Djordje Mihailovic – Unavailable (with American Olympic team in Paris)
Where to Watch Portland Timbers vs Colorado Rapids Live?
The match will be available for streaming on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV in the United States and internationally.
Live Stream and TV Schedule for Other Countries
- United States: MLS Season Pass
- Canada: MLS Season Pass
- United Kingdom: MLS Season Pass
- Germany: MLS Season Pass
- France: MLS Season Pass
- Spain: MLS Season Pass
- Italy: MLS Season Pass
- Australia: MLS Season Pass
- Japan: MLS Season Pass
- Brazil: MLS Season Pass
Recent Form
Portland Timbers: W-L-W-W-L-W Portland’s recent form has been strong, with wins in three of their last four competitive fixtures.
Colorado Rapids: W-L-D-W-W-L Colorado enters the tournament with points in four of their previous five MLS contests.
Head-to-Head Record
Recent meetings between these sides have favored Portland at Providence Park:
- Portland has won their last three home matches against Colorado
- The aggregate score in those three games was 10-3 in Portland’s favor
Standings
Leagues Cup Group West 5:
- Portland Timbers – 3 points
- Colorado Rapids – 0 points
- Club León – 0 points
Who Will Win?
Given Portland’s home advantage and their strong start to the tournament, they enter as favorites. However, Colorado’s improved form in MLS play suggests they won’t be pushovers.
Portland Timbers vs Colorado Rapids Prediction: Portland Timbers 3-1 Colorado Rapids
Portland’s attacking prowess at home, combined with their set-piece threat, should see them edge a competitive match. Colorado’s high-paced style under Armas will likely lead to an open, entertaining game.
Key Stats
- Portland has scored in 23 of their 26 matches across all competitions this season
- Colorado is tied for second-most goals scored in the MLS Western Conference (50)
- The Timbers have won five consecutive matches at Providence Park
This Leagues Cup clash promises to be an intriguing battle between two teams with contrasting recent histories in the competition. Portland will look to secure their spot in the knockout stages, while Colorado aims to make a statement in their tournament opener.
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