Atlanta United vs Portland Timbers Predictions

Atlanta United lost their 2nd Leg against New York RB on Friday 1-0, but thanks to an impressive 3-0 win in the 1st Leg they progressed through to their first ever MLS Cup Final. Following a goalless draw at home to Sporting KC, Portland Timbers were considered the underdogs by many heading into their 2nd Leg, but a superb counter attacking performance saw the visitors make it through to their second MLS Cup Final.

Atlanta United put in a very defensive minded performance in New Jersey last week, contrasting their usual open attacking game which helped striker Martínez break the record for most goals in a single MLS season. The two clubs went in goalless at the break despite New York RB having more of the possession, with the visitors plan to frustrate their hosts by keeping things tight and concentrating on defence rather than attack working perfectly.

The second half played out the same as the first with Atlanta United only rarely breaking forward on the counter attack in search of a killer away, and the hosts trying too hard to force the issue due to being three goals behind on aggregate. Eventually, New York RB did get the goal their play deserved, but defender Tim Parker’s strike didn’t arrive until the fourth minute of stoppage time and by that point the tie had already been decided.

When Portland Timbers went behind to a twentieth minute strike from Salloi the visiting fans must have feared the worst for their side, especially when Sporting KC held their advantage into the half time break. However, just seven minutes after the restart Argentine Blanco levelled the scores, and just after the hour mark Váleri made put Portland Timbers 2-1 up.

Sporting KC went all out for the equaliser as the visitors attempted to shut up shop by putting almost every man behind the ball, but in the eighty-first minute Gerso Fernandes managed to equalise for the hosts. With the game finely poised in stoppage time and the hosts pressing for a winning goal, Portland caught Sporting out on the break and Váleri made himself the hero by scoring the goal that confirmed his teams place in the MLS Cup Final for only the second time in their history.

Venezuela striker Martínez has been in record breaking form for Atlanta United this season, and with thirty-four goals in the MLS he could be the man to make the difference in Sunday’s final. Almirón has contributed thirteen league goals for Atlanta so far, while teammate and fellow countryman Villalba has chipped in with eight. Argentina’s Váleri and Blanco have been the two stand out performers for Portland Timbers this season, with the pair scoring a combined twenty-seven goals in the MLS. Sweden’s Armenteros has chipped in with eight goals, but hasn’t played since early November.

We’re confident that both teams will score in Sunday’s MLS Cup Final, and have backed Atlanta United to claim a 2-1 win. Both teams have scored in the only two previous encounters between Atlanta United and Portland Timbers. Three of Atlanta United’s last six matches have seen both teams score, while five of Portland Timbers’ last six matches have seen both teams score. Martínez has scored 34 goals in the MLS for Atlanta United this season, that’s over double the amount Portland Timbers’ top scorers Váleri and Blanco have managed combined, and Atlanta have the home advantage with the final taking place at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.