Portland Timbers lock horns with Colorado Rapids on Saturday as matchday 31 of the MLS regular season beckons. Both sides are in the bottom half of the Western Conference as the postseason draws closer.

Martí Cifuentes’ Portland are fresh off a 2-0 reverse at LA Galaxy in midweek. Marco Reus broke the deadlock after 17 minutes before Justin Haak confirmed the three points for the hosts.

Despite being dominated on possession (48%), the Timbers had six shots on target – two more than their opponents – but couldn’t score as they fell to their 14th defeat of the season. Portland are 10th in the points table, with 33 points from 29 matches, winning nine.

Meanwhile, Matt Wells’ Colorado are coming off a 2-2 home draw with Minnesota in midweek. Darren Yapi broke the deadlock for the hosts in first-half stoppage time before Kelvin Yeboah equalised for Minnesota seven minutes into the second period.

Despite Sayed Abu Farchi’s dismissal, Georgi Minoungou restored the 10-man Rapids’ lead 16 minutes from time, but Loic Williams’ 84th-minute own goal forced a share of the spoils. Colorado dominated possession (67%) but had to be content with a point as they find themselves in ninth place with 38 points from 29 games, winning 11.

On that note, here’s a look at the head-to-head stats and key numbers, match prediction, and betting tips for the Portland-Colorado MLS showdown at Providence Park:

Portland Timbers vs Colorado Rapids head-to-head stats and key numbers

In 38 meetings across competitions, Portland lead Colorado 18-12, losing their last clash 2-0 away in MLS in March.
The two teams have split their last four meetings – all in MLS – with two wins apiece.
The Timbers have two wins and as many losses in their last five home games – all in MLS.
The Rapids are winless in six road outings – all in MLS – losing five.
Form guide (last five games across competitions, most recent result first): Portland: L-D-L-L-L; Colorado Rapids: D-D-L-D-L

Portland Timbers vs Colorado Rapids prediction

Neither the Timbers nor the Rapids have had the campaign they would have envisaged at the start of the season as they face a struggle to make the postseason.

Portland have a narrow head-to-head lead over Colorado, but neither side has dominated recent meetings. The Timbers, though, are in decent home form, while Colorado haven’t won on the road in a while.

Both teams are riding at least five-game winless streaks, making it a tough game to call. But Portland’s home advantage should see them take the win.

Prediction: Portland Timbers 2-1 Colorado Rapids