Houston Dynamo v Portland Timbers: 'They are going to be open games' – Neville preparing for hectic run-in

Portland Timbers head coach Phil Neville believes their remaining regular-season fixtures are "going to be open games" as teams push for the playoff spots.

The Timbers are currently sixth in the Western Conference with five games to go before the postseason, starting with a trip to the Houston Dynamo this weekend. 

Portland ended a four-game winless run last time out as Matias Rojas and Antony got on the scoresheet in a 2-1 victory against the New York Red Bulls.

Neville expects there to be plenty of goals and end-to-end action as teams look to throw everything they have in order to reach the playoffs.

"You are going to see teams gambling to win, taking risks to win. They are going to be open games," Neville said.

"There are going to be lots on transition goals, and I think that is what we will see in the last five games for us.

"I think we have managed these players really well. I think they are going into these games full of energy and I think at this stage of the season, fatigue goes out the window.

"You have to go through those moments of tiredness, but everything is on the line and you cannot anything for any game."

Houston are one of those teams looking to sneak into the playoff places in the West.

The Dynamo are currently 12th in the division but are just two points behind ninth-placed San Jose Earthquakes, who occupy the final playoff spot.

They suffered a late defeat to the Colorado Rapids in their last match as Felipe Andrade scored a 96th-minute own goal, two minutes before Artur was also sent off.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Houston Dynamo – Jack McGlynn

Jack McGlynn has made a big impact in Houston's midfield this season, registering six goals and seven assists in 24 MLS games.

He has directly contributed to goals in four of his last five games, scoring three goals and providing two assists in that time.

Portland Timbers – Antony

Antony is Portland's joint-top scorer in MLS this season with seven goals, and the Brazilian has also registered seven assists.

After missing over a month through injury, Antony's winner against NYRB was his first goal in six games since his return.

MATCH PREDICTION – DRAW

Houston have allowed multiple goals in nine home MLS matches this season, tied for their most in a single season in team history (also 2014). Only Sporting Kansas City (10) have had more regular-season games at home allowing two or more goals in 2025.

Portland have won by a single goal in all six of their MLS victories since the beginning of May. A different player has provided the game-winning goal in each of those six wins, most recently Antony against NYRB.

The Dynamo have shut out the Timbers in each of their last three home matches in the fixture. Portland has never been shutout in four consecutive regular-season road matches against a single opponent.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Houston Dynamo – 37.5%

Draw – 26.4%

Portland Timbers – 36.2%