Portland Timbers vs. LA Galaxy prediction, odds: Soccer expert reveals 2022 MLS picks, best bets for April 3

The Portland Timbers hope to keep cooking at home on Sunday when they host the LA Galaxy in a Major League Soccer matchup. The Timbers (1-3-1) salvaged a 1-1 draw with Orlando City last Sunday at Providence Park, and they are unbeaten in their last five games there. They are still trying to find the form that had them representing the West in last year’s MLS Cup, where they lost on penalties to NYCFC. The Galaxy (2-0-2) have not played since a 1-0 loss to Orlando City on March 19, their second loss after starting the season with consecutive wins. 

Kickoff in Portland is set for 4:30 p.m. ET. Portland is the +123 favorite (risk $100 to win $123) on the 90-minute money line in the latest Portland Timbers vs. LA Galaxy odds from Caesars Sportsbook. LA is the +210 underdog, a draw is listed at +255 and the over-under for total goals scored is 2.5. Before you lock in any LA Galaxy vs. Portland Timbers picks, you need to see what SportsLine soccer insider Brandt Sutton has to say.  

Sutton, a former collegiate soccer player, has been SportsLine’s top soccer editor for nearly five years. He has followed soccer closely for much longer and factors in managerial tactics, projected lineups and past performances to make the most-informed decisions possible, keeping his finger on the pulse of the game all over the globe. Sutton has also been on a roll with his best bets, going 17-9 in his last 26 soccer picks.

Now, Sutton has broken down the Portland Timbers vs. LA Galaxy matchup from every angle and just revealed his MLS picks and predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see his picks. Here are the betting lines and trends for LA Galaxy vs. Portland Timbers:

• Portland vs. LA: Portland -0.5 
• Portland vs. LA over-under: 2.5 goals 
• Portland vs. LA money line: Portland +123, Galaxy +210, Draw +255 
• POR: Sebastian Blanco has 33 goals and 33 assists in six seasons 
• LA: Chicharito has 21 goals and two assists in 37 matches with the team

Why you should back Portland Timbers

The Timbers are off to a slow start, but they are exactly where they were at this stage of last season in points. A 4-1 drubbing at the hands of FC Dallas has skewed the numbers, but they showed grit last week in taking a point despite playing the last 15 minutes a man down. Cristhian Paredes converted a penalty in the 80th minute, four minutes after teammate Jose Van Rankin was hit with a red card. Portland has scored at least once in 12 straight matches.

The home advantage is clear for Portland, with the Timbers Army making it a rough atmosphere for visitors. It has not lost in regulation in 13 straight games in Portland, including the playoffs. Colombian midfielder Yimmi Chara has stepped up in the wake of injuries and has two goals and an assist so far. Sebastian Blanco (one assist) is a major difference-maker and has been providing a spark off the bench as he gains fitness from a knee injury suffered last season.   

Why you should back LA Galaxy

LA kicked off the season with a 1-0 victory against reigning champion NYCFC and followed with a 1-0 win against Charlotte. It is feeling its way, but it has the capability to score goals. Chicharito is the key to the offense, and he has scored twice after tying for third in MLS with 17 goals last season. The 33-year-old scored 37 goals and won two titles in four seasons with Manchester United. LA has just four goals but has an expected goals of 7.1, so it should start converting.     

The Timbers were manhandled in the loss to FC Dallas, and they were lucky to get the draw last week against Orlando. The Galaxy also are well-rested after two weeks off. They held the ball for 63 percent of a 3-2 loss to Seattle and 62 percent of the setback to Orlando. LA is fifth in the MLS in possession (58 percent) while Portland is 21st (45.8), so it should control the game. It also leads the league in shots (71) while the Timbers have yielded the most in MLS (82).   

How to make LA Galaxy vs. Portland Timbers picks

Sutton has analyzed the Portland Timbers vs. LA Galaxy match from all sides, and he is leaning under on the goal total. He also provides another confident best bet and has a full breakdown of the match. He’s only sharing his expert MLS picks at SportsLine.

So who wins LA Galaxy vs. Portland in Sunday’s MLS matchup? And where does all the betting value lie? Visit SportsLine now to see the best bets for the Portland vs. LA Galaxy match, all from the soccer expert on a 17-9 run on his last 26 soccer picks, and find out.