Portland Timbers vs. New York City FC Prediction and Picks: MLS Cup Final
Portland Timbers vs. New York City FC Prediction and Picks: MLS Cup Final
The 2021 MLS Cup final will be a match of firsts. For the Portland Timbers, this will be the first time they have played Major League Soccer’s showpiece game in front of their fans at Providence Park, one of the most atmospheric and historic soccer venues in North America. It promises to be quite the spectacle.
For New York City FC, though, this will be the first time they have appeared in the MLS Cup final. Ronny Deila’s team looks to be in good shape and aims to make history for the Bronx franchise. Here are some tips and information for the 2021 MLS Cup final on Saturday, December 11.
Portland Timbers vs. New York City FC Start Time, Where to Watch, and Odds
When: Saturday, December 11
Start Time: 3:00 p.m ET
Where: Providence Park, Portland
How to Watch: ABC
Click Here For MLS Cup Final Odds
Portland Timbers vs. New York City FC Prediction
Last week’s Western Conference final against Real Salt Lake had the potential to be a tricky test for Portland. Still, Gio Savarese’s team underlined their MLS Cup credentials with a comfortable 2-0 victory over the fairytale tale of the 2021 MLS play-offs. Indeed, the Timbers were in control from start to finish.
Portland is currently in excellent form, having won their last six matches going back to the end of the regular season. They have also scored two or more goals in 10 of their last 11 home league matches, hinting at how the Timbers have made Providence Park something of a fortress in 2021.
What’s more, Portland has won their last four matches against New York City FC in all competitions, through the Eastern Conference champions arrive in the Pacific Northwest on the back of an eight-game unbeaten run. So they have more than earned their place in this weekend’s championship match.
It’s not yet clear if Sebastian Blanco will be fit enough to feature for the Portland Timbers. Taty Castellanos will be back from suspension for NYC FC, having missed the win over the Philadelphia Union after seeing red in the Eastern Conference semi-finals. This will be a boost for Deila, who will be able to count on the 2021 MLS Golden Boot winner.
These are two high-quality sides that have demonstrated their worth over the regular season and into the play-offs. Savarese has built a Portland Timbers side capable of adapting their approach depending on the opposition and the task at hand, but similar could be said of New York City FC. Whatever happens on Saturday, it will be captivating.