The Portland Timbers host Real Salt Lake in a vital Western Conference matchup. The Timbers suffered a 3-1 loss to FC Dallas in their last outing, with star midfielder Diego Valeri getting the consolation goal late in the game. Meanwhile, RSL are playing their second game of the week, after earning a draw with the LA Galaxy in their midweek matchup this past Wednesday, 3-3.
Salt Lakes strong form
RSL have had fair results recently. The draw with LA, and before, winning the Rocky Mountain Cup with a 2-1 win over rivals Colorado Rapids. With four points in their last two matches, RSL are looking to continue the good form. Currently sitting in secoyellind place, the difference maker is forward Yura Movsisyan. If his scoring form is still going strong, in which it is, he will be the main talking point if RSL will be to win this game.
In order for RSL to win, they’re going to have to play smart, and strong as they have been. With the striking trio of Movsisyan, Joao Plata, and Juan Manuel Martinez, there will be goals. In the last five games, Salt Lake have gained 12 points.
They're going down, yelling Timber
On the home side, the Timbers have struggled gaining points. With a loss to the Seattle Sounders on the road, then winning the final home-and-home match against their bitter rivals at Providence Park, the Timbers have only gained six points out of their last five matches.
Unfortunately for Timbers fans, they will have to be without defender Zarek Valentin for this match, as he suffered a bone bruise. For Real Salt Lake, Jordan Allen is still listed as questionable.
This matchup is the final match between these two teams for the regular season. But, as the series record shows, the Timbers lead the series 2-0-3 in the past year. Past games don’t mean anything, but if they did, Portland have the upperhand in this match.
Here is the starting lineup for the Portland Timbers.
Gleeson;
Vytas--Ridgewell--Taylor--Peay
Jewsbury--Chara
Melano--Valeri--Barmby
Adi
The Timbers are coached by Caleb Porter.
Here is the starting lineup for Real Salt Lake.
Rimando;
Beltran--Olave--Wingert--Phillips
Mulholland--Beckerman--Morales
Plata--Movsisyan--Martinez
RSL is coached by Jeff Cassar.
Prediction: Injuries, points gained, points lost, recent matches. Both teams have pros and cons in each category, but Real Salt Lake get the shorter straw. 12 in last five, Rocky Mountain Cup, Yura Movsisyan goals, it doesn’t get much better than that. Real Salt Lake win this game.