With the MLS season nearing its climax, the Portland Timbers face a high-stakes Western Conference showdown against league leaders Los Angeles Galaxy at Providence Park.
Their opponents, LA Galaxy, arrive with the wind firmly in their sails, sitting at the summit of the Western Conference and eager to continue their charge towards the Supporters' Shield.
Match preview
The Portland Timbers enter this crucial clash sitting eighth in the Western Conference with 40 points from 28 matches, fully focused on securing a playoff spot as just one point separates them from ninth-placed Minnesota United and time is running out.
Portland's recent form has been a rollercoaster, with a narrow 2-1 loss away to Colorado Rapids following a spirited 1-0 home win against rivals Seattle Sounders, a thrilling 4-4 home draw with St Louis City and a 3-2 away defeat to LA Galaxy, setting the stage for a perfect opportunity for revenge in this encounter.
Offensively, the Timbers have been one of the more prolific teams in the league, netting 56 goals so far this season with Evander being their standout performer, with his impressive return of 12 goals and 17 assists driving their attack.
Portland's home form could be a decisive factor in this match, as they have only lost once in their last 10 games at Providence Park. The Timbers thrive in front of their raucous supporters, and they will need to summon that energy once again to halt the Galaxy's charge.
Matches between these two sides have been fiercely competitive and with the hosts having drawn or won most of their recent encounters at home against the Galaxy, they will feel confident of taking something from the game.
LA Galaxy, perched atop the Western Conference with 55 points from 29 matches and a secured playoff spot, now set their sights on the Supporters' Shield, with city rivals LAFC as their closest challengers.
Currently seven points clear of LAFC, who have two games in hand, the Galaxy know every match is vital to preserving their lead, and with four wins in their last five league games, they are in excellent form for this game.
Their most recent outing saw them secure a commanding 4-2 victory over LAFC in the latest edition of El Trafico, reinforcing their title bid and asserting their dominance over local rivals. Coupled with their earlier 3-2 home win against Portland in July, the Galaxy are an intimidating prospect for this match.
LA Galaxy have been a potent attacking force this season with 57 goals, but their vulnerability in defence, having conceded 40, has made certain games more difficult, particularly when playing away from home.
The visitors have struggled on the road recently in the league, with two consecutive away defeats and just three wins in their last 10 away matches, a trend they will aim to correct against a traditionally strong Portland Timbers at Providence Park.
Team News
Portland Timbers will be missing defender Claudio Bravo, who is sidelined with a leg injury and is not expected to return until mid-October with his absence being a key blow to their defensive setup heading into this game.
The threat of Evander, who has been directly involved in three goals in his last three games, adds a significant edge to the hosts' attack, making them even more dangerous.
LA Galaxy will be without midfielder Edwin Cerrillo, who is serving a one-game suspension due to accumulated yellow cards.
Additionally, defender Julian Aude remains sidelined with a groin injury and is expected to return in early October. Martin Caceres, who is recovering from an Achilles injury, will also be unavailable for this fixture.
Portland Timbers possible starting lineup:
Crepeau; Mosquera, Araujo, Zuparic, K Miller; Ayala, Chara; Moreno, Evander, Antony; Toye
Los Angeles Galaxy possible starting lineup:
McCarthy; Yamane, Yoshida, Neal, Nelson; Delgado, Brugman; Pec, Reus, Puig; Joveljic
We say: Portland Timbers 3-2 Los Angeles Galaxy
LA Galaxy, despite their impressive season and top position in the Western Conference, have shown some vulnerability away from home whilst Portland Timbers, motivated by the need to secure a playoff spot and buoyed by their strong home form, will be eager to exploit LA Galaxy's recent away inconsistencies.
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