Portland Timbers vs Columbus Crew Prediction was posted on:
Our prediction for this match:
Portland Timbers
Match Time & Date:
22/02/2026
20:30
Prediction:
3-2
Columbus Crew
Portland Timbers
Columbus Crew
Portland Timbers enter the season opener encouraged by a thrilling 4â3 win over Chicago Fire in their final warm-up match. Given Columbus’ attacking potential, we predict a 3-2 home win. The permanent signing of Kristoffer Velde gives Portland attack an important boost, especially given their preseason average of 1.80 goals scored per home match. Despite inconsistency overall (0.90 PPG), Timbers’ home form was notably better, earning 1.60 points per game and producing 80% BTTS at Providence Park. Defensive concerns remain, though, as they failed to keep a single clean sheet.Columbus Crew suffered a 1â0 defeat to Nashville in their last friendly and face a setback with key forward Wessam Abou Ali ruled out. Columbus showed stronger numbers at home (2.33 PPG), but their away form is troublingâjust 0.71 PPG, conceding 1.86 goals per away match. Their preseason still showed attacking capability with 1.70 goals per game, yet defensive lapses remain an issue.