Portland Timbers will play host to Columbus Crew at Providence Park in Major League Soccer on Saturday. We are about to witness the opening matchday of the new season, which happens to be the 31st edition of the competition.
Portland Timbers vs Columbus Crew Preview
Thanks for the submission!
Portland Timbers concluded their 2025 season with a 4-0 defeat on the road against San Diego. What a terrible way to wrap up a campaign. However, they were able to finish in eighth spot to earn qualification for the wild-card round. They survived that stage and made it to round one of the Playoffs before bowing out.
Timbers’ objective for the new season remains the same as the previous, according to head coach Phil Neville. They are still in search of a second MLS title following their triumph in 2015. The coach says a flying start to the season would be great, but his team fared badly in preseason, recording one win, two draws, and two defeats.
Columbus Crew didn’t achieve their set goal for the 2025 season, which was winning the title, but they made it to the fifth position. That spot handed them qualification for the playoffs, but they failed to progress beyond round one after falling to FC Cincinnati. The visitors are seeking a fourth MLS title following their past successes in 2008, 2020, and 2023.
The Crew had mild activity in the transfer market, signing a few players but bringing in others through internal transfers from Columbus Crew 2. The visitors took part in two pre-season friendly matches, winning one against Colorado Rapids and losing the other against Nashville. Portland Timbers and Columbus Crew’s last clash ended in a 2-2 draw.
Portland Timbers vs Columbus Crew Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- Portland Timbers have won thrice and drawn twice in their last five matches against Columbus Crew.
- Portland Timbers have won thrice and drawn twice in their last five matches at home against Columbus Crew.
- Portland Timbers have won once, drawn twice and lost twice in their last five matches at home.
- Columbus Crew have drawn once and lost four times in their last five matches on the road in all competitions.
- Portland Timbers have won once, drawn twice and lost twice in their last five matches, while Columbus Crew have won twice and lost thrice. Form Guide: Portland Timbers – W-L-D-D-L, Portland Timbers – L-W-L-W-L.
Portland Timbers vs Columbus Crew Prediction
Portland Timbers will be eying early momentum in the new season by winning their opening match. They could draw inspiration from their superior head-to-head record.
Columbus Crew will want to start the new campaign where they left off last season. They finished strongly, with impressive form.
Portland Timbers are the favorites in this encounter based on home advantage.
Prediction: Portland Timbers 2-1 Columbus Crew
Portland Timbers vs Columbus Crew Betting Tips
Tip 1: Result – Portland Timbers to win
Tip 2: Game to have over 2.5 goals – Yes
Tip 3: Portland Timbers to score first – Yes
Tip 4: Columbus Crew to score – Yes
Edited by Peter P
