(2) Portland Timbers (7,4,3, 24 points) vs (12) Los Angeles Galaxy (4,7, 3 15 points)
Wednesday, October 7, 2019 7:30 PM PST/ 10:30 PM EST
Dignity Health Sports Park, Carson, California
Portland Timbers Briefly
The Portland Timbers got an unexpected break this weekend on what seems to be a busy if not hectic schedule. But, in the end, it became beneficial for the Rose City side.
Ever since the MLS is Back Tournament, the Timbers showed a lot of resilience and determination and exposing the likes of Jeremy Ebobisse’s commitment to excel as well as seeing the maturity in Eryk Williamson’s game.
So far, in every game, we see the potential of several young players, such as Pablo Bonilla and Marco Farfan as these two are consolidating as the future of this club as well being touted as soon-to-be potential starters.
Every time these two play, the defensive game of the Timbers sees an upgrade and becomes a little bunkered in its defensive game and look rock-solid in their positions.
For manager Giovanni Savarese, seeing his team improving with several bold moves in his starting elevens and exposing a number of his young player’s talent, has paid off handsomely with important victories
With a number of moves in his initial formation switching from a 4-2-3-1 to a 4-4-2, formation, the gamble is paying off and with a win in Tinsel Town in midweek the streak will continue to boost this team confidence.
However, earlier this season, the Timbers suffered a defeat at home, and with late rallies falling short against the Galaxy. This time, if they come with a different and more pressing offensive game and in the defensive backfield, they will not allow any openings.
I for sure see another positive outcome, but going against a club looking to end its losing streak one way or another, for sure this match will not be a walk in the park for the Timbers in Carson, California.
The Timbers, they will send their best side to continue their revival and look forward to closing October on a positive and with a spot in the always coveted postseason. Something tells me that they can be labeled as favorites.
Probable Lineup:
GK Steve Clark, Marco Farfan, Larry’s Mabiala, Dario Zuparic, Pablo Bonilla; Diego Chara, Eryk Williamson, Diego Valeri, Jeremy Ebobisse; Jaroslaw Niezgoda, Felipe Mora
LA Galaxy Briefly
Manager Guillermo Barros Schelotto is looking to stop a sudden and annoying losing streak of four consecutive games against the Portland Timbers.
Still, for the Andean to be without two of his most important players in his starting eleven, the man must commit a couple of bold moves to substitute the likes of Rolf Fletcher and Jonathan Dos Santos.
Both players will be with their national teams because of the October FIFA window.
As the need to step up their game is within all of the Galaxy players, they will look to put an end to their current nosedive and start getting some favorable results in order to get out of the cellar of the Western Conference.
Probable Lineup
GK David Bingham, Giancarlo Gonzalez, Daniel Steres, Nicholas De Puy, Emiliano Insua; Joe Corona, Perry Kitchen; Efrain Alvarez, Sebastian Lletget, Cristian Pavon; Chicharito Hernadez\
Meetings
September 2, 2020, Portland Timbers 2-3 LA Galaxy
July 13, 2020, LA Galaxy 1-2 Portland Timbers
Forecast
The odds are in favor of the visiting Timbers but in the end, this can be anyone’s game
