Portland Timbers vs New York City FC, 8pm GMT MLS Final
The Portland Timbers go for their second Major League Soccer title on Saturday when they host New York City FC in the 2021 MLS Cup at Providence Park in Portland, Ore. The Timbers won the title in 2015 and were the runner-up in 2018, while NYC FC had never advanced past the quarterfinals in its previous six seasons. Portland beat Real Salt Lake 2-0 in the Western Conference final last Saturday, while New York City FC got past the Philadelphia Union 2-1 on Sunday. Both teams finished fourth in their respective conferences, and both beat the top seeds in the semi finals. NYC advanced to the conference final by beating the New England Revolution on penalties after a 2-2 draw, while Portland beat the Colorado Rapids 1-0 in the semi finals.
Our Picks
NY City Win @6/4
NY Win + BTTS @4/1
Outsider
New York City FC to win, BTTS, 4+ corners each team and 20+ booking points each team @22/1
Giovanni Savarese has seen his team come together at the right time, winning six in a row after ending the fairy tale run of Real Salt Lake, with an impressive showing in the West Final, coming out on top 2-0.
This will be their first meeting against New York since 2019 when the Timbers won 1-0 thanks to a goal from Sebastian Blanco, who missed their last game with a hamstring issue but was a pivotal part of their success in the 2021 regular season.
Portland Timbers predicted starting 11:
Clark; Van Rankin, Mabiala, Zuparic, Bravo; D. Chara, Paredes; Asprilla, Y. Chara, Valeri; Mora
New York City FC predicted starting 11:
Johnson; Amundsen, Callens, Chanot, Gray; Morales, Sands; Rodriguez, Moralez, Medina; Castellanos
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