Timbers can topple Whitecaps from Western summit

MLS, 9pm Sunday

Home has been where the heart is for Portland, who have won their last five at Providence Park by an aggregate score of 14-2 and they can topple Western Conference leaders Vancouver.

A win could put the Timbers top depending on how Seattle, level with Portland on 50 points, fare but the Whitecaps are looking vulnerable at the top.

From the beginning of July Vancouver went on a run of eight wins and just two defeats in 13 matches. But eight of those were at home and since then they have won just one of four, suffering 3-0 defeats at Seattle and New York Red Bulls in that run.

The incentive is there for Vancouver to give it one last push in the final fixture of the regular season as a point will be enough to secure them a bye in the first round of the playoffs.

Portland have won both clashes with the Caps this season, winning 2-1 at home in April and by the same scoreline in Canada in July. Their key men Diego Valeri and Sebastian Blanco are back among the goals - both were on target in the Timbers' 4-0 win over DC United on Monday when Blanco bagged a brace - and they can spearhead the hosts' bid to finish on a high.

Recommendation
Portland
1pt 3-4 Betfair

Bet on football at soccerbase.com

Today's top sports betting stories

Follow us on Twitter@racingpostsport

Like us on FacebookRacingPostSport