Tight Timbers and goal-shy Seattle to play out lacklustre derby

MLS
Sky Sports Mix, 9pm Sunday

A cagey affair lacking goals is likely to unfold when Seattle visit Portland.

Their bitter rivalry dates back to the days of the North American Soccer League and they are two of the most goal-shy sides in major League Soccer.

The Sounders are the lowest scorers in either conference this year with a paltry seven goals in eight matches, while just one of the home side’s three victories this term has been by more than a single goal.

The visitors are fresh from their second win of the campaign - a 2-1 win away to strugglers Toronto - but the target will be nullifying a Timbers team who have won their last three rather than looking to outscore their opponents.

Portland started the season with just two points from their opening five games and have seen greater success since switching to three holding midfielders in Cristhian Paredes, Diego Chara and Andy Polo, so will likely set up in a similar conservative style for this game.

Seattle’s reliance on Clint Dempsey last campaign has shown this season, with poor results during the early-season absence of the former Fulham striker. They have also shifted to a more defensive approach so neither side is set up to play barnstorming, attacking football.

Recommendation
Under 2.5 goals
1pt 11-8 BetBright

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