February 12th, 2017: Minnesota United v Portland Timbers, at Providence Park, Portland, OR.
Portland Timbers (0, 3, 2, 2 points) vs Minnesota United (2, 3, 0, 6 points)
7:30 PM PST/ 4:30 EST Providence Park, Portland, Oregon
Portland Timbers at a glance
After a failed road stand and just netting, two points out of 15. The Portland Timbers finally are to play in front of their followers in the colossus of Goose Hollow. For manager Giovanni Savarese in today’s press conference stated of his squad improvements. Still there is a lot of work ahead of building an all-around contender and build a winning legacy. After last week debacle in Orlando, the need to step up the game and counter the opposing squads pressure is one of this club top priorities. Forget about the Loons being that feeble expansion club as this campaign is a different story. As last, campaign both squad-divided honors. If Giovanni sticks with his 4-3-2-1 formation showing off a more defensive approach the possibility of that most expected win can arrive. There is a possibility of some drastic changes to the starting eleven with the hope that it will engender more positive results. If Gio manages his substitutions accurately in the match this could become a game changer for Portland.
For your very truly the 4-3-2-1 formation will be the ideal for this match and more effective in the remainder of the campaign if manager Savarese becomes a little bold and sends a diamond 4-4-2.
Projected Starters: Goalkpeer Jake Gleeson (Jeff Attinella) Zarek Valentin, Larry Mabiala, Liam Ridgewell(Bill Tuiloma), Marco Farfan, defensive midfielders: Andres Flores ( Lawrence Olum), Diego Chara, Cristhian Paredes offensive midfielders Diego Valeri, Sebastian Blanco, forward Fanendo Adi (Samuel Armenteros)
Minnesota United at a glance
For Adrian Heath is business as usual in this 2018. He and his Loons are determined for everything. So far posting a decent record and holding sixth place with six points. The Loons in their second year are looking forward to the end of making the postseason. Coming to Portland with a new weapon called Darwin Quintero. This club in the offseason really armed itself defensively and now offensively with its first Designated Player from Mexico’s premier side Club America. By coming to Portland, posting back to back loses against the New York Red Bulls and Atlanta United. These Loons will do anything to get back into the winning column and Portland is their main target. Maybe we can see the likes of newcomer Darwin Quintero in the Loons lineup for this Portland 2017 home opener encore.
Still for manager, Adrian Heath always using a 4-2-3-1 formation, maybe he will send a dynamic attack to try to overcome the Portland defense and stop his club skid with a win away.
Projected Starters: Goalkeeper Matt Lampson, Tyrone Mears, Michael Boxall (Brent Kallman), Francisco Calvo, Marc Burch, Defensive midfielders Ibson, Rasmus Schuller, Offensive midfielders Ethan Finlay, Miguel Ibarra, Sam Nicholson, forward Christian Ramirez (Abu Danladi) (Darwin Quintero)
Overall Record
Portland Timbers 5, Minnesota United 1 Providence Park, Portland Oregon
Minnesota United 3, Portland Timbers TFC Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Prediction: Slight advantage for Portland by a goal
Minnesota United
Portland
