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Dallas are in a strong position from which to qualify for a playoff spot in MLS, and a win against hosts Portland Timbers at Providence Park in the early hours of Thursday would be hugely beneficial.
The Timbers come into the clash in 11th place in the Western Conference with 17 points, and they currently trail their fifth-placed opponents by eight points, with Dallas occupying one of nine championship playoff spots.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
Portland Timbers vs Dallas key stats
- Dallas have scored at least two goals in each of their last five games.
- Portland have scored one or fewer goals in four of their past eight matches.
- Both teams have scored in five of their last eight meetings with each other.
- Six of Dallas' last 10 goals have come in the first half.
Portland Timbers vs Dallas preview: The race for the playoffs
Portland Timbers vs Dallas — Tale of the Tape
| Portland Timbers | vs | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| 11th | Position | 5th |
| 17 | Points | 25 |
| 27 | Goals For | 30 |
| 29 | Goals Against | 22 |
| 1 | Clean Sheets | 3 |
| 11th | Home / Away Rank | 3rd |
Portland Timbers have not enjoyed their 2026 season so far, with the club having dismissed boss Phil Neville in May during the break enforced because of the World Cup.
The good news for fans is that the club appear close to an appointment, with Marti Cifuentes set to be named as their new manager, though he is unlikely to be granted visa entry before Thursday, meaning interim boss Jack Cassidy will almost certainly be in charge for a second game.
Cassidy oversaw a comfortable 5-1 win against Seattle Sounders on July 17, and that was their first win in four league games, while it also ended a losing streak of two matches.
Portland Timbers striker Gage Guerra is currently dealing with a muscle injury that could keep him from the pitch until August, so expect to see Kevin Kelsy retain his place, especially as he scored twice against Seattle Sounders.
Dallas have been in outstanding form of late, taking 12 points from the last 15 on offer, and they now find themselves six points ahead of 10th-placed St. Louis City, who are the first team outside of the playoff spots in the Western Conference.
The visitors' most recent match was a 2-1 success over Colorado Rapids on May 24, but they were fortunate that they were awarded two penalties in that game.
A win for boss Eric Quill on Thursday would represent his team's third triumph in five encounters with Portland Timbers, and it would also extend their undefeated streak to five matches against their hosts.
Logan Farrington will hope to lead his side's attack and score his seventh league goal of the season, though he will need supply from attacking midfielder Patrickson Delgado.
Portland Timbers vs Dallas form guide & betting tips
| PORT | vs | DAL |
|---|---|---|
WDLLW |
Form | WWDWW |
| 7 | Points | 12 |
| 6th | Form Table | 2nd |
| 14 | Goals For | 12 |
| 8 | Goals Against | 7 |
WDLLW |
Form (All Comps) | WWDWW |
Whispers predicts: Portland Timbers 1-2 Dallas
Despite the strong form of Portland, a win for the visitors is only priced at 8/5 (2.6) , slightly below the Portland Timbers' price of 29/20 (2.45).
Considering the two sides have often managed to score against each other, a sensible bet would be backing Both Teams to Score at 4/9 (1.44).
The visitors are looking to score at least two goals for a sixth consecutive match, and there is value in backing Dallas to Score Over 1.5 Goals at 10/11 (1.91).
Given the away side have more often than not scored goals in the opening half of matches recently, predicting Dallas to Win the First Half at 21/10 (3.1) could be an inspired bet.
> Both Teams to Score at 4/9 (1.44) | Likelihood: Probable
> Dallas to Score Over 1.5 Goals at 10/11 (1.91) | Likelihood: Possible
> Dallas to Win the First Half at 21/10 (3.1) | Likelihood: Possible