St Louis City vs Portland Timbers Preview & Picks - St Louis to continue to lead the way in the Western Conference

St Louis continue to lead the way at the top of the Western Conference despite only winning one of their last four in a run that sees them top the table via their superior goal difference to the Seattle Sounders. 

The Portland Timbes are a singe point and place short of Real Salt Lake and the last playoff spot right now. With so many games to come, there is still a lot of time for the Timbers to pick up points, but they need to start winning more often. 

The pair have only met once before, with St Louis City running out 2-1 winners on the road back in March. 

St Louis City began the new season in scintillating form as they won five matches in a row to storm to the top of the table. 

Their subsequent four games have been far leaner, with the side winning once, drawing once and losing twice. Despite only taking four points from a possible 12, St Louis have maintained their place at the summit of the table. 

However, all of the favour St Louis managed to gain at the start of the season is now gone, with the Seattle Sounders joining them on 19 points. Defeat in this one would likely see City slip into second or lower, so the side need to win here. 

The Portland Timbes have struggled for wins and points this season, with the side gaining victory twice, drawing twice and losing five times. 

Frustratingly for the away team, they began the season with a win over Sporting Kansas City, but this was quickly followed by four defeats and two draws. Once again, they got a win against the in-form Seattle Sounders, but they were unable to utilise this momentum as they were beaten by FC Cincinnati. 

While there are signs that the Timbers can rub shoulders with the best, they are not consistent enough right now. There is still a lot of the season to come, but they need to start picking up points or they will fall further behind those above them.