{"id":813,"date":"2026-02-18T11:01:55","date_gmt":"2026-02-18T16:01:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/us\/?post_type=news&p=813"},"modified":"2026-04-14T10:37:01","modified_gmt":"2026-04-14T14:37:01","slug":"portland-timbers-vs-columbus-crew-predictions-odds-picks-stats","status":"publish","type":"news","link":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/us\/news\/portland-timbers-vs-columbus-crew-predictions-odds-picks-stats\/","title":{"rendered":"Portland Timbers vs Columbus Crew prediction: Odds, picks & stats – MLS game preview"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

This opening clash at Providence Park sees the Portland Timbers welcome the Columbus Crew in what could be a tone-setting opening fixture for the 2026 MLS campaign<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

After a 2025 season where both sides finished mid-table in their respective conferences, this matchup is a chance for both to show improvement and build early momentum. The Timbers will be hoping to shore up a leaky defense, while the Crew arrive with the league’s top possession stats and attacking firepower. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM WT in Portland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best Bets & Predictions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Based on last season’s attacking trends and head-to-head results, here are our top betting recommendations for this match. We’re particularly confident in the Columbus Crew’s attacking output, given their league-leading possession and goal totals in 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Our Prediction<\/th>\nOdds & Sportsbook<\/th>\nConfidence<\/th>\nWhy We’re Backing It<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Columbus Crew to Win (Moneyline)<\/strong><\/td>\n+150 @ Bet365<\/a>
(40.0%)<\/td>\n		\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50<\/td>\nValue due to Crew’s superior possession (59%) and 60-goal attack last season.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Both Teams to Score \u2013 Yes<\/strong><\/td>\n-145 @ Bet365<\/a>
(59.2%)<\/td>\n		\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50<\/td>\nHit in five of the last six head-to-heads; both teams average 1.3+ goals\/game.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Over 2.5 Total Goals<\/strong><\/td>\n-120 @ Bet365<\/a>
(54.5%)<\/td>\n		\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50<\/td>\nLast season’s combined average: 2.9 goals\/game; 4+ in 4 of last 6 meetings.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Columbus Crew Double Chance (Win or Draw)<\/strong><\/td>\n-160 @ Bet365<\/a>
(61.5%)<\/td>\n		\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50<\/td>\nCrew lost only eight of 34 last season; Portland inconsistent at home.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Our approach: Start with Columbus Crew to win, add Both Teams to Score for parlay potential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.<\/small><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Season Form & Standings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The 2025 MLS Regular Season saw both clubs finish in Playoff contention but ultimately fall short of championship runs. Portland Timbers ended eighth in the Western Conference, while Columbus Crew secured seventh in the East. Neither side progressed past the first round of the playoffs — though the Timbers won a preliminary match against Real Salt Lake — underlining their need for a stronger campaign in 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2025 MLS Eastern Conference Standings<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n
Team<\/th>\nPos<\/th>\nGP<\/th>\nW<\/th>\nD<\/th>\nL<\/th>\nGF<\/th>\nGA<\/th>\nGD<\/th>\nPts<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Columbus Crew<\/td>\n7<\/td>\n34<\/td>\n14<\/td>\n12<\/td>\n8<\/td>\n55<\/td>\n51<\/td>\n4<\/td>\n54<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

2025 MLS Western Conference Standings<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n
Team<\/th>\nPos<\/th>\nGP<\/th>\nW<\/th>\nD<\/th>\nL<\/th>\nGF<\/th>\nGA<\/th>\nGD<\/th>\nPts<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Portland Timbers<\/td>\n8<\/td>\n34<\/td>\n11<\/td>\n11<\/td>\n12<\/td>\n41<\/td>\n48<\/td>\n-7<\/td>\n44<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Potential Match-Winners<\/h2>\n\n\n\n