MLS Betting: LA Galaxy vulnerable at Portland Timbers

Robbie Keane remains a force for both club and country

A look at week two's Columbus Crew v Toronto FC, New York City v New England Revolution and Portland Timbers v LA Galaxy showdowns...

Columbus Crew v Toronto FC
Saturday, 23:30

Match Odds: Columbus Crew 2.26/5, Toronto FC 3.65n/a, The Draw 3.55n/a

It was a shock that Toronto FC performed so poorly despite a series of high-profile captures last season, but having further enhanced their talented roster, they really should make their overdue playoff debut in what is their ninth MLS campaign.

Sebastian Giovinco was arguably the outstanding addition of any franchise over the winter and on the evidence of his first outing in a 3-1 victory away to the Vancouver Whitecaps, he could be an MVP contender if his team is competitive.

Fellow newcomer Jozy Altidore also impressed with two goals at BC Place, Robbie Findlay was another debut scorer and Benoit Cheyrou and Damien Perquis - formerly of Marseille and Real Betis respectively - should also prove to be savvy recruits.

Columbus Crew by contrast have been to the top of the mountain before and were conference semi-finalists last term, yet both their off-season dealings and week-one efforts in losing 1-0 to Houston Dynamo mean that they enter this clash fairly cold.

Toronto FC have won three in a row against the Crew, with each of those encounters taking place over the last 12 months and two of them doing so in Ohio, so the lay price on the hosts appeals.

Recommended Bet: Lay Columbus Crew to win @ 2.226/5

New York City v New England Revolution
Sunday, 21:00
Live on Sky Sports 1

Match Odds: New York City 2.26/5, New England Revolution 3.55/2, The Draw 3.412/5

The Yankee Stadium is transformed into a soccer venue as New York City pitch up for their home MLS bow.

It was tricky to read too much into their opener at fellow newcomers Orlando City as they probably didn't deserve more than the 1-1 draw that they got, but did conspire to lose a lead to ten men.

Expectations of the New England Revolution were high following their MLS Cup appearance - taking LA Galaxy to extra time only to be sunk by Robbie Keane - and the subsequent return of Juan Agudelo.

However, they suffered the heaviest defeat of the entire first weekend, falling 3-0 to Supporters' Shield holders the Seattle Sounders, and will again be without Jermaine Jones in the Big Apple.

Though the latest indication is that Lee Nguyen, their 2014 top scorer who also cracked the MLS Best XI, will recover in time, he is unlikely to be at full fitness.

The combination of those issues, their blank against the Sounders and New York City having scored more than one goal in just one of their last past five games (including pre-season) create a compelling case for backing under 2.5 goals.

Recommended Bet: Back under 2.5 goals @ 1.814/5

Portland Timbers v LA Galaxy
Sunday, 23:00
Live on Sky Sports 1

Match Odds: Portland Timbers 2.89/5, LA Galaxy 2.68/5, The Draw 3.55/2

Sky Sports viewers get their first taste of the MLS' power franchise the LA Galaxy - MLS Cup winners in three of the last four years - with reigning MVP Keane, who was fined but not banned for curiously marking his goal against the Chicago Fire with an "up yours" gesture, as a protagonist.

The Galaxy weren't too sharp despite delivering a 2-0 triumph and the consensus is that they are far more liable to be punished if they churn out a similar display at Providence Park, an always noisy ground where they are winless in three visits over the past 24 months.

The Portland Timbers started with a 0-0 draw against Real Salt Lake in which new centre-back pairing Liam Ridgewell and Nat Borchers backed up the hype that the side's pre-season figures of three goals conceded in six matches encouraged.

It is now five consecutive competitive home shutouts for the Timbers dating back to late last September and they are unbeaten in seven in front of their admired fans too.

As the Galaxy's close-of-2014 road record read (most recent results first) LDLLDD, a slight upset appears to be on the agenda.

Recommended Bet: Back Portland Timbers to win (draw no bet) @ 2.01/1