Portland Timbers vs Fc Cincinnati Picks and Predictions August 16th 2025

FC Cincinnati vs Portland Timbers – Picks and Predictions (August 16, 2025)

Evander Returns to Providence Park in High-Stakes Showdown

All eyes will be on Evander as he makes his return to Portland to face his former club when FC Cincinnati visit the Portland Timbers on Saturday night.

The Brazilian star has been pivotal for Cincinnati (15-7-4, 49 points), tallying 15 goals and eight assists in his debut season after a blockbuster $12 million transfer from Portland. While he hasn’t scored or assisted in his last three MLS games, he showed his quality in the Leagues Cup with two goals and two assists.

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Cincinnati enter the weekend second in the Eastern Conference and third in the Supporters’ Shield standings, trailing Philadelphia by two points.

Portland (10-8-7, 37 points), meanwhile, sit sixth in the Western Conference and could get an immediate boost with the debuts of Kristoffer Velde (Olympiacos) and Felipe Carballo (loan from Gremio). With Jonathan Rodriguez out for the season, Velde in particular will be asked to provide instant goals as the Timbers push toward the playoffs.

Match Information

• Sport: Soccer (MLS)
• Teams: FC Cincinnati vs Portland Timbers
• Venue: Providence Park – Portland, OR
• Date: Saturday, August 16, 2025
• Kickoff: 10:30 PM ET
• Betting Odds:
  • FC Cincinnati Moneyline: +140
  • Portland Timbers Moneyline: +190
  • Draw: +240
  • Total Over 2.5 Goals: -150
  • Total Under 2.5 Goals: +125

FC Cincinnati Can Win If…

Evander channels the emotions of his Providence Park return into a strong performance. Cincinnati thrive when he and Luciano Acosta link up in midfield, and with a defense that has conceded just 30 goals this season, they have the balance to frustrate Portland. If Evander can break his brief scoring drought, Cincy could leave the West Coast with all three points.

Portland Timbers Can Win If…

The new arrivals hit the ground running. With Rodriguez sidelined and Evander gone, the pressure is on Kristoffer Velde to deliver goals immediately. If Portland’s attack finds rhythm quickly, especially at home where they’ve been far stronger (6-2-4), they can exploit a Cincinnati side that has occasionally struggled away from home.

Key Stats Comparison

The Lean

This matchup is set up for fireworks. Evander’s emotional return gives Cincinnati an edge, but Portland’s desperation and the debut of Velde provide intrigue. Expect goals from both sides in a tightly contested battle. Model projection: 2-2 Draw.

• Pick: Draw (+240)
• Total Lean: Over 2.5 Goals (-150)

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