The Philadelphia Union travel to Portland Saturday night to take on former MLS champions Portland Timbers. The game will be played in Portland at 7:30 PST. It is the first meeting between the two teams this season.
Portland could be without Zarek Valentin or Alvas Powell. Valentin was originally listed as injured for the game, but Powell picked up a knock Wednesday night, so perhaps we will see Valentin before he is 100%. Darlington Nagbe will be healthy, and alongside Diego Valeri, will likely create problems for the Philadelphia defense. It doesn’t seem likely that Philadelphia will keep a clean sheet in Portland, expect a goal out of Valeri or Portland striker Fanendo Adi or Valeri. Former Union striker Jack McInerney will likely come on at some point around the hour mark as he has seen time as a substitute this season.
Philadelphia will need a good performance to get a result in Portland. This season has seen some weak showings on the road, and with the exception of a few results, the Union have failed to get a real spark away from home. With reports that a move from Philadelphia is on the books for Swiss midfielder Tranquillo Barnetta, Union fans will want a convincing performance from their talisman attacking mid. Should Barnetta struggle to get on the ball, Philadelphia may fail to create options. While Roland Alberg has been knocking in goals left and right, he isn’t necessarily the kind of midfielder to create options for the Union. CJ Sapong has been in a bit of a goal drought, and a road goal would be a great chance for the big forward to get into some form going into the playoffs.
Expect a game where either Portland dominates, and wins convincingly, or a tight game where the Union grinds out a result. Portland will certainly want a win with a playoff push in sights, while the Union will be content with a draw, and holding their place with more road games on the horizon.
