Portland Timbers desperately need points on Sunday, Jul 26 at 4:30 AM in the MLS. With the team sitting in the bottom three, this is quickly becoming a must-win situation.

Portland Timbers come into this fixture struggling badly (1W 3L in last 5). Real Salt Lake, meanwhile, arrive in good form (3W 1D 1L recently) — actually the better-performing side in recent weeks.

Head-to-head records offer little separation — Portland Timbers and Real Salt Lake have split their 10 meetings almost evenly (3W–3D–4W). Their last encounter ended in Portland Timbers won 0–2. These two tend to produce goals — averaging 2.6 per game in recent meetings.

Verdict: Real Salt Lake's quality should tell even on the road. Portland Timbers will push, but the visitors have too much class. Real Salt Lake to win.