Portland Timbers (4, 3, 2, 14 points) vs LAFC (6, 2, 2, 20 points)
12:00 PM PST/ 9:00 AM EST Providence Park, Portland, Oregon
Portland Timbers at a glance
The Portland Timbers suddenly are experiencing an all-around revival and a bit of momentum. With a four game winning streak all of sudden we are seeing the fruits of their first year man at the helm going in the right direction. So far, the Portland defense have stepped up their game to the point of not allowing a single goal in 270 minutes. We can see the improvements in this squad as they have transformed for the better. Now they are up for their biggest challenge: LAFC.
With a repeat of its fabulous foursome in the back to defend the posts defended by Jeff Attinella. This chap has returned from the injury list and recorded a shutout in all of these games. As the Rose City squad manager has worked with a 4-3-2-1 formation being a bit tight defensively. The team has seen very positive turnaround.
Still they are going against a much different expansion team looking and playing like a total contender. For the Timbers, defensive foursome will be challenge and test of how positive their change has been. One to contain the likes of Mexican international and LAFC top playmaker Carlos Vela and the unstoppable Diego Rossi and Laurent Ciman.
For manager Giovanni Savarese in the campaign by using a 4-3-2-1 formation that by far has delivered results or be bold enough to make a last minute change in his lineup or strategy to contain one of MLS most top rated attacks.
GK Jeff Attinella, Alvas Powell, Larrys Mabiala, Liam Ridgewell, Zarek Valentin, defensive midfielders Cristhian Paredes, Diego Chara, Andy Polo, offensive midfielders Sebastian Blanco, Diego Valeri forward Fanendo Adi
Photo courtesy of LAFC
LAFC at a glance
Manager Bob Bradley cannot contain his excitement over how his squad is performing against the odds. For the Black and Gold showing off a one of kind attacking game with their top playmaker in Mexican international and former La Liga player Carlos Vela. So far Vela known to be a wizard in the midfield and top orchestrator that generates all sorts of beautiful game leading to a score. This Saturday the Timbers, much-renewed defensive backfield will have its hands full.
Despite last weekend, a tie against NYCFC (whom the Rose City squad blanked and mastered recently) nothing is written that Portland can lay their guard down against the likes of the Black and Gold making all sorts of headlines in league circles.
With the World Cup near the Angelinos will have to surrender four players (possibly five depending upon if center-back Laurent Ciman gets the nod for Belgium) to their respective squads. However, one of them will be their leader and top playmaker in Carlos Vela considered the engine of this squad attack. In addition, to consider two familiar faces in Latif Blessing and Benny Feilhaber very acquainted with the PTFC game from his playing days with Sporting Kansas City.
In addition, for manager Bob Bradley having all the right moves in the end that can make a whole lot of difference. This match will be one contested one and for sure entertaining in its whole course. For both team managers Bob Bradley and Giovanni Savarese for sure these have prepared their strategies and reading their arsenals come this Saturday.
This team does not surrender that easily and is a fighter in the eyes of many in MLS. Bradley’s probable initial eleven and 4-2-3-1 formation will be a handful for the local Timbers.
GK Tyler Miller, Omar Garber, Walter Zimmerman, Laurent Ciman, Steven Beitashour, defensive midfielders Eduard Atuesta, Benny Feilhaber offensive midfielders, Latif Blessing, Mark Anthony Kaye, Carlos Vela forward Diego Rossi
This meeting is the first-ever meeting between the Portland Timbers and LAFC.
Prediction: even match.
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