(7) Portland Timbers (7,6,10, 31 points) vs (6) Nashville SC (8,7,8, 32 points)
August 3, 2022 KO 7:30 PM PST/ 8:30 PM CDT
Providence Park, Portland, Oregon
Portland Timbers Briefly
What a game and comeback for the Portland Timbers last weekend in Minnesota led by Sebastian Blanco and in the end sharing the spoils and continuing their undefeated run.
Despite the team missing Diego Chara and Dairon Aspirilla for accumulation of yellow cards, hopefully we can see the likes of Eryk Williamson back in the starting eleven alongside Cristhian Paredes or David Ayala.
Another point to discuss is the defense to step up its game and whoever they play against they really need to put on a defensive and stingy approach to every game as well give Aljaz Ivacic some comfort between his posts.
The way this team is playing finally has reached above the red line for the playoffs in seventh place, but also with the need to climb a spot or two in the overall table to assure themselves a good position come the end of the season.
It’s one game at a time for Giovanni Savarese as well looking forward to continue his team success in August as this month for sure will define his team’s playoff picture with an extension of their unbeaten streak.
In the end, the need is to keep a healthy squad until the end and look forward to delighting us with their one-of-a-kind games they have given to its fans lately for this team to succeed come the postseason.
One thing that Nashville won’t be is a walk in the park as well they play very well as visitors and many of their favorable results have come on the road. It will not be easy task for the Timbers, but in the end not impossible.
Probable Lineup:
GK Aljaz Ivacic, Josecarlos Van Rankin, Larrys Mabiala, Dario Zuparic, Claudio Bravo; David Ayala, Cristhian Paredes; Santiago Moreno, Sebastian Blanco, Yimmi Chara; Jaroslaw Niezgoda
Photo: Nashville SC
Nashville SC Briefly
For Nashville manager Gary Smith with eleven games in the season left, he’s aware of not conceding points but putting on a fight to earn them after his team has been inconsistent at home and surrendering wins.
Still, after his team had a not-so-pleasant July and surrendered a good number of points, it looks like the Nashville side is not being too dominant at their new home in Geodis Park.
With a not so impressive record (1-2-3, 6 points), Nashville’s hopes are being placed on putting on a better display in August and to see his team finish off games.
Among one of Smith’s goals are to see an improvement of his team at home where they don’t play with any confidence, as Nashville is seeing the emergence of Hany Mukthar as well Teal Burnbury in his offensive scheme.
In addition of the arrival of USMNT defender Shaq Moore to boost this side’s defensive game, Smith is looking forward come the postseason and make it back-to-back into the playoffs.
Probable Lineup:
GK Joe Willis, Shaquell Moore, Walker Zimmerman, Dave Romney, Taylor Washington; Teal Burnbury, Sean Davis, Dax McCarty, Randall Leal; Hany Mukthar, CJ Sapong
Meetings
07/03/2022 Nashville SC 2-2 Portland Timbers
03/08/2020 Portland Timbers 1-0 Nashville SC
Forecast
Portland is looking forward to extend its unbeaten streak but it won’t be that easy
