June 15, 2018 – Portland, OR: Portland Timbers beat LA Galaxy one nell, on June 15, 2018, at Providence Park (Photo by Diego G Diaz/ProstAmerika).
Atlanta United (10, 3, 3, 33 points) vs Portland Timbers (6, 3, 4, 22 points)
1:30 PM PST/ 4:30 PM EST
Mercedes Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
Portland Timbers at a glance
The heat is on for manager Giovanni Savarese and his Portland Timbers. Once again, putting his squad momentum and positive run put on a test this Sunday in the Deep South. To face a squad of the likes of the Atlanta United, not only they will face off a tough initial eleven but a raucous fan base! As newly, built Mercedes Benz Field is not a heavenly place for any visiting squad for the noise of its locals.
Putting on a huge test the defensive backfield that manager Savarese will decide on at game time as well the formation that works the best defensively. Not only the perfect run that the PTFC is enjoying currently in league and Cup play put in peril. After all the Rose City, squad is facing one of the most explosive offensive attacks in all of MLS.
In addition, of playing against one of the top rated perfect initial elevens, position per position. The anticipation to this match-up faceoff against Darlington Nagbe will be another highlight comes Sunday. As the former Timbers midfielder along with Miguel Almiron, Ezequiel Barco , Josef Martinez to mention a few. Considered in league circles as the most effective and productive overall.
For sure, the whole eleven of Atlanta will be a handful for the Portland Timbers and a win on the road for the Rose City squad could uplift the squad’s spirits. With no surprises here Savarese for sure will sends his trademark 4-3-2-1 formation which has a history of being effective for this group.
GK Jeff Attinella, Zarek Valenin, Larry’s Mabiala, Julio Cascante, Vytas, Andres Flores, Diego Chara, Cristhian Paredes, Diego Valeri, Sebastian Blanco, Fanendo Adi
Atlanta United at a glance
With their recent elimination from the USOC, manager Tata Martino’s focus will solely be on the regular season going forward. So far, his Atlanta Boys are currently the best team in MLS, first in the Eastern Conference and in the Supporters shield. As mentioned before with a one of a kind offensive attack and one of his top weapons in Josef Martinez leading the club in overall goals scored with 14. Thanks in part of his company in of newcomer Argentinian Ezequiel Barco and Paraguayan Miguel Almiron.
On the eve of this match, manager Martino will send to a more defensive formation to counter the attacks of Diego Valeri and Sebastian Blanco who can start a rally with Fanendo Adi leading the offensive. Still the man has a top rated defensive backfield and a guarantee under the posts with international Brad Guzan. Taking in consideration a more defensive change in formation from his trademark 3-4-1-2 switching to a more conservative 4-3-2-1.
Despite several notable players are out, still Martino can send in his backfield the likes of Michael Parkhurst, Franco Escobar, Mikey Ambrose and Leandro Gonzalez to counter and put an abrupt stop to Portland offensive momentum. In the middle with Darlington Nagbe and Jeff Larentowicz, the familiarity of Darlington will be the element of surprise for Portland offensive game.
I do not put my doubts that this match-up between Atlanta and Portland can end in a stalemate. So far, in the campaign SKC and Portland lead the league with the least goals against with eight, followed by and Atlanta with nine. Come this Sunday sparks will fly in Mercedes Benz Stadium with the clash of these two titans.
Tata Martino for sure will counter Giovanni Savarese game with another defensive prone formation with a 4-2-3-1 to stop the one two Andean punch Portland posseses in Blanco and Valeri.
GK Brad Guzan, Franco Escobar, Michael Parkhurst, Leandro Gonzalez Pirez, Mikey Ambrose, Darlington Nagbe, Jeff Larentowicz, Julian Gressel, Miguel Almiron, Ezequiel Barco, Romario Williams
Meetings
May 14, 2017 Portland Timbers 1, Atlanta United 1
Prediction
This should be a very even match with Atlanta having the slight advantage as the hometown side.
Atlanta United FC
Portland
