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Sports Mole previews Saturday's MLS Playoffs clash between Los Angeles FC and Portland Timbers, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Los Angeles FC will look to extend their four-game unbeaten run in the MLS when they welcome the Portland Timbers to BMO Stadium this weekend.

Both clubs are neck and neck in the Western Conference standings, but LAFC have two games in hand and a two-point advantage over the Timbers.

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Match preview

Counting the Club World Cup, Los Angeles went four matches without a win, including their first game back in the MLS, but have since steadied the ship. 

However, a run of three straight league victories was halted last weekend when they conceded a dramatic stoppage-time goal in a thrilling 3-3 draw with LA Galaxy.

Despite playing the fewest games in the Western Conference (21), Steve Cherundolo’s men sit fifth with 36 points, seven behind table-toppers San Diego, who have played three more games. 

A win on Saturday would not only keep them in the race for top spot but also extend their unbeaten run and dominance over Portland.

LAFC are unbeaten in their last four meetings with the Timbers across all competitions, and that includes one win and two draws in MLS play, plus a friendly win, all since April 2024. 

Interestingly, their lone league victory in that run came at the BMO Stadium, where they will be confident of getting another result this weekend.

Phil Neville's Portland side arrive in Los Angeles with their own concerns, with the Timbers winless in three games, losing back-to-back matches before being rescued by Omir Fernandez’s stoppage-time equaliser in a 1-1 draw with Minnesota United last time out.

That point halted a two-game losing run, but the overall form remains underwhelming, with just one win in their last six league matches. 

Still, Portland remain sixth in the Western Conference with 34 points from 23 matches, but that position could quickly slip if they fail to arrest their recent slump.

On the road, the picture is even grimmer, with the Timbers winless in five straight away league games, drawing once and losing four, including each of their last three.

Los Angeles FC MLS Playoffs form:

Los Angeles FC form (all competitions):

Portland Timbers MLS Playoffs form:

Portland Timbers form (all competitions):

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Team News

Los Angeles FC will be without Eddie Segura, who is suspended following a red card in stoppage time against LA Galaxy. 

Aaron Long remains sidelined with an Achilles tendon injury and is ruled out for the rest of the season. 

Lorenzo Dellavalle, Maxime Chanot, and Ryan Raposo are all nursing leg and head injuries respectively, and are expected to return in early August.

Denis Bouanga scored a brace last time out to take his league goals to 13, and he will look to make the difference this time.

Portland Timbers will be without Antony, David da Costa, and Jonathan Rodriguez, who are all dealing with muscle injuries and expected to return to action in early August.

Los Angeles FC possible starting lineup:

Lloris; Palencia, Tafari, Smolyakov, Hollingshead; Delgado, Jesus, Tillman; Bouanga, Ordaz, Dilrosun

Portland Timbers possible starting lineup:

Crepeau; Surman, Zuparic, Fory; Mosquera, Parades, Ayala, Smith; Moreno, Lassiter; Mora

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We say: Los Angeles FC 3-1 Portland Timbers

 

Los Angeles come into this fixture in fine form, unbeaten in their last four matches and without defeat in their last three at home, making them clear favourites against a Portland side still struggling to find consistency.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

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