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Portland Timbers host Colorado Rapids at Providence Park on Thursday (August 1) in the Leagues Cup group stage. The hosts kicked off their campaign with a 2-1 win over Mexican outfit Club Leon, falling behind after 12 minutes before Zac McGraw scored in either half to secure maximum points for Phil Neville's men.
Portland are atop the Group West 5 standings with three points and need a draw to advance to the knockouts, while a win will guarantee top spot.
Colorado, meanwhile, have performed well in Major League Soccer and beat Real Salt Lake 3-2 in their last game. They looked set to be headed toward a point before Cole Bassett netted the winner from the spot two minutes from time.
The Rapids suffered a 2-1 defeat to Nashville in their Leagues Cup opener last year, while Portland beat San Jose Earthquakes 2-0.
Portland Timbers vs Colorado Rapids Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- In 31 meetings, Portland have beaten Colorado 14 times and lost 10.
- Portland are undefeated in four games in the fixture.
- Colorado are without a clean sheet in seven games.
- Portland have scored 50 goals in MLS this season. Only Real Salt Lake (51) and leaders Inter Miami (56) have managed more.
Portland Timbers vs Colorado Rapids Prediction
Portland have won three of their last four games and six of their last eight. They are undefeated in seven home matches, picking up six wins.
Meanwhile, Colorado's latest result ended a run of back-to-back winless outings. They have, however, lost five of their last six road games and could see defeat.
Prediction: Portland 2-1 Colorado
Portland Timbers vs Colorado Rapids Betting Tips
Tip 1 - Result: Portland
Tip 2 - Goals - Over/under 2.5 - Over 2.5 goals (Seven of Colorado's last eight matches have produced more than 2.5 goals.)
Tip 3 - Both teams to score: Yes (Both sides have scored in five of Portland's last six matchups.)
