(2) Columbus Crew SC (4, 2, 1, 13 points) vs (12) Portland Timbers FC (0, 5, 1, 1 point)
Saturday April 20, 2019 4:30 PM PST/ 7:30 PM EST
Mapfre Stadium, Columbus, Ohio
Portland Timbers at a glance
Manager Giovanni Savarese in his midweek press conference, he had words of praise for his squad in spite of the result. Still he mentioned the way his side reaction and its desires to win especially in the second half.
It does not come easy for the Portland Timbers playing against an old foe and former manager Caleb Porter. As you recall the Crew lost to a hard charging Portland squad back in 2015. That was then and now with Porter in the helm of one of MLS utmost pioneers.
For this match the Columbus Crew comes as the overall favorite. Many see the version of David versus Goliath but in the end, we see in the Midwest side a fortress at home but anything can happen.
In this match, the Portland Timbers players familiar with Caleb porter will leave their sentimentalisms behind and looking forward for that valuable win and its first three points of the season.
A repeat of that 5-3-2 formation that almost has netted the Rose City squad at least a point, with the way the Crew attack has been lacking at times the killing punch. If the Portland Timbers defensive backfield comes inspired, we may see a different story in the end.
In spite of the controversies, the Portland Timbers have been subject in a few matches and last weekend. The need to step up the game and with his side showing winning desires, now the next step will be to apply some tactics.
In this match, the Portland Timbers can play the role of spoilers and net a valuable win if not upset in the Midwest. With manager Giovanni Savarese applying again his 5-3-2 formation, we may have a close contest.
GK Jeff Attinella, Zarek Valentin, Julio Cascante, Bill Tuiloma, Larry’s Mabiala, Jorge Moreira; Cristhian Paredes, Diego Chara, Andres Flores; Jeremy Ebobisse, Diego Valeri
Columbus Crew at a glance
For the Columbus Crew with new ownership and new man in its helm, the league pioneers they are back in the fight. In this nascent season under manager Caleb Porter, the Gold and Black is riding high with a positive record.
For the Crew manager Caleb Porter these matches will display many sentimental connotations by facing off his old team. A team he shaped as a contender and a winner in his time at Rose City.
Most of all this reunion he will have a knowledgeable upper hand of his former squad weakness.
In addition, of their last weekend loss against the Montreal Impact, the Midwest squad will look forward to improve its offensive drive.
For sure, the Columbus Crew will be looking for the win as well defends their undefeated status at home with a win over a struggling Portland squad. However, it is not easy, as these matches do not guarantee an easy win for the Crew.
So far, the way this team assembled by Caleb Porter is one defensive armada in spite of being in transition but surely, as manager Porter aims is to see a his offensive attack getting a much needed boost. In the end Caleb Porter, will use his trademark 4-2-3-1 formation.
GK Zack Steffen, Waylon Francis, Josh Williams, Jonathan Mensah, Hector Jimenez; Will Trap, Artur; Robinho, Federico Higuain, Pedro Santos; Gyasi Zardes
Meetings
September 19, 2018 Portland Timbers 3- Columbus Crew 2
March 25, 2017 Columbus Crew 3- Portland Timbers 2
Prediction
Can we see an upset over the Crew, after all these are the game favorites?
Columbus Crew
Portland
