After three rounds of 2023 MLS, Atlanta United is the Eastern Conference’s top team. They are currently at 2-1-0 and hope to add another win. It seems like they would have no problem beating the Portland Timbers, who are currently 1-0-2 with back-toback losses. However, they were defeated by the Western Conference’s top two teams.
Atlanta United vs Portland Timbers Odds
| Moneyline | Odds |
|---|---|
| Atlanta United | -154 |
| Draw | +300 |
| Portland Timbers | +425 |
| Goals Over/Under | Odds |
|---|---|
| More than 2.5 Goals | -167 |
| Below 2.5 Goals | +129 |
*Odds taken by bet365 on Thursday March 16, 2023.
What, where, and how to watch?
- Place: Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia
- Date Saturday, March 18, 2023
- Time 7:30 PM ET
- Watch on Apple TV
Atlanta United Look Like MLS Cup Contenders
It’s too early to know what will happen at the end, but this team looks like a candidate for the 2023 MLS Cup. Atlanta United won against the San Jose Earthquakes (2-1), Charlotte (3-0), and drew with Toronto FC (1-1).
They are expected to be successful in 2023. Their roster is the second-most expensive in the MLS. You should be surprised to learn that they didn’t make the playoffs last season. However, this time it seems almost impossible for such a thing to happen.
Their young stars have become world-beaters and grown up. Thiago Almada, the Argentine World Cup winning midfielder, has been playing at an MVP level ever since the beginning of the season. Atlanta’s 21 year-old playmaker has already scored two goals and assisted with two more.
Caleb Wiley, Atlanta’s 18 year-old defensive defender, is coming off a historic performance in Charlotte that saw him score two goals as well as make one assist.
The Portland Timbers are better than their record suggests
The Timbers opened the season with a 1-0 victory over Sporting Kansas City. Although it wasn’t a great match, the Timbers managed to accomplish what they had planned. The following games didn’t go as planned for them. Los Angeles FC lost 3-2 to the Timbers, while St. Louis City lost 2-1 to them.
Losing to LAFC and St. Louis City is not something to be ashamed of, as they currently hold the top two spots within the Western Conference. They also managed to score in all of their games.
Prediction: Atlanta United vs Portland Timbers
Although this is going to prove to be close, we are certain that it won’t be boring. We believe this match will have plenty of goals, on both sides. Atlanta United is also our favorite side.
Pick: Atlanta United wins; more than 2.5 goals
