(2) Portland Timbers (11,6,5, 38 points) vs (6) LAFC (9,8,4, 31 points)
Sunday November 8, 2020 3:30 PM PST/ 5:30 PM EST
Banc of California Stadium, Los Angeles, California
Portland Timbers Briefly
With last Wednesday’s pitiful performance and not only losing the game but losing first place in the Western Conference, the Portland Timbers are ready to close this season on the positive side.
Last Wednesday, the Timbers played against a re-energized Colorado Rapids who completely dominated the Timbers despite some efforts at goal and the addition of very brilliant defending from Dario Zuparic and Bill Tuiloma shutting down Diego Rubio and the Rapids offensive attack.
Again, the open space and mistakes in the end cost the Timbers the game as well as first place from the Western Conference. The idea was to close the regular season with back-to-back wins, especially against teams with a spot in the postseason.
Still, this is not over and the game against the LAFC in Tinsel Town will be one heavy test for the Portland Timbers against a team they have not defeated since they eliminated them in the US Open Cup in LA.
Since those games, the Timbers in the regular season have failed to capitalize against the Black and Gold. In addition to coming as favorites in their game in LA back in September, the Timbers came labeled as favorites, fell 4-2 to LAFC
Unfortunately for this game, the Timbers will be missing Diego Chara and maybe Cristhian Paredes starting, but the need for the Paraguayan to shine and deliver a great game is a necessity in addition to Andy Polo in the starting lineup being a determined orchestrator in the attack.
In defense, Marco Farfan and Jorge Villafaña will be the difference in the outside and Dario Zuparic and Larrys Mabiala being a factor for the Timbers’ success in this and upcoming games, as they look very solid in the defensive midfield.
For this game, no doubt El Maestro Diego Valeri will be a huge contributor in the offensive attack and rallying the likes of Yimmi Chara and Andy Polo, but as possibilities exist maybe we can see the return of Jeremy Ebobisse in the starting lineup.
This game will show the readiness the Timbers for the upcoming league playoffs. This game is considered a preview of what’s to come for the Rose City side and how they can overcome and succeed in the league finals.
Probable Lineup:
GK Steve Clark, Marco Farfan, Larry’s Mabiala, Dario Zuparic, Jorge Villafaña; Eryk Williamson, Cristhian Paredes; Andy Polo, Diego Valeri, Yimmi Chara; Felipe Mora
LAFC Briefly
A heartbreaking loss endured by the Black and Gold against the San Jose Eathquakes last Wednesday at Earthquakes Stadium, despite a late Diego Rossi goal.
However, something that Bob Bradley side has something to brag about is their dominance over the Rose City lately and denying them a win as well ending their streak back on September 13th with a 4-2 win.
Still, with both sides already assured a spot in the postseason, this game will be a sort of preview if these two see each other in the playoffs in the following rounds if not the conference finals.
The return of Carlos Vela in the lineup will become more than a boost for the Black and Gold, and for Bob Bradley and company would like to close the season with a win and why not against the Portland Timbers.
Whenever these two teams play one another, these have the elements of a very disputed Derby and with the sensation of the two every game they are playing like a grand finale. Watch out for a lot of fireworks these upcoming Sunday!
Probable Lineup:
GK Kenneth Veermer, Tristan Blackmon, Jesus David Murillo, Eddie Murillo, Diego Palacios; Jose Cifuentes, Eduardo Atuesta, Francisco Ginella; Latif Blessing, Diego Rossi, Carlos Vela
Meetings
October 18, 2020, Portland Timbers 1-1 LAFC
September 13, 2020, LAFC 4-2 Portland Timbers
July 23, 2020, LAFC 2-2 Portland Timbers
Forecast
I do not see any clear favorites for this match, somehow LAFC comes with an edge over the Timbers
Portland Timbers
