Portland Timbers (6, 3, 3, 21 points) VS Sporting Kansas City (8, 2, 4, 28 points)
7:30 PM PST/ 10:30 PM EST/
Providence Park, Portland, Oregon
Portland Timbers at a glance
I still recall that rainy evening in October when the Portland Timbers and Sporting Kansas Citywent all the way to sudden death. The way that encounter ended with the Rose City squad emerging as an all-around winner in this playoff round left a mark with the Midwest Boys. It also opened the doors to an all-around rivalry and in every of its matches since we have seen a contested Derby between these two.
Last year when SKC came to town, they exercised a total dominance over the local Portland Boys. With a 1-0 win and a ferrous defense in its entirety of this game were the locals barely could develop or try their best to display their amazing game.
Now in this campaign both squads are playing some fantastic football. Portland so far are in third place with 21 points. Although last weekend against the LA Galaxy they faced a very defensive game, they still fought back. Now we are to embrace of another match between these two that for sure will have all the elements of a grand finale.
For the Portland squad not having its initial eleven, the likes of Diego Chara suspended for yellow cards accumulation and Liam Ridgewell due to injuries hurts. Still, the possibilities of the Timbers defensive game once again stepping up will be the breaking point in this match. My question will be what formation Gio will send?
With a tie last weekend and a win on Wednesday in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, Portland confidence is back and now they are up to their big test against SKC.
As a manager Savarese is known to be a bold man so maybe we can see a 4-1-4-1 or possibly send a 4-4-2 with more defensive cushion in the midfield to counter a dynamic SKC dynamic attack?
GK Jeff Attinella, Bill Tuiloma, Larry’s Mabiala, Julio Cascante, Zarek Valentin, midfield Cristhian Paredes, Andres Flores, Diego Valeri, Sebastian Blanco, forwards Fanendo Adi, Samuel Armenteros
April 15, 2017 – Portland, OR: Sporking Kansas City victory over the Portland Timbers at PRovidence Park, Portlnad, OR (Photo by Diego G Diaz).
Sporting Kansas City at a glance
For manager Peter Vermes coming to Providence Park seen as one of his most difficult of confrontations his squad always faces in the regular campaign. So far, his Midwest Boys seeded in first place in the Western Conference. This tells you what this squad is all about and with three novel players that are lifting this squad to new dimension the sky is the limit in terms of that.
In addition of being aware of his initial elevens is one serious threat to the Portland Timbers offensive and defensive game. Seriously, this squad does not hesitate to deliver mayhem to any opposing defenses as well stopping the opposing attacker’s momentum cold. Before the campaign, some players left and seeing an ageing backfield, that still delivers.
For Peter Vermes squad coming from back to back wins in the week. After their Sunday, win over the Minnesota United FC by a goal rout of 4-1 and in midweek in the USOC against Real Salt Lake for a 2-0 win.
Among one of the notables improvements and improvisations SKC manager performed on his initial eleven. In this match, he shifted from his traditional 4-3-3 formation to 3-5-1-1 and heading his lineup. He put in three of its promising Homegrown players in Wan Kuzain, Jaylin Lindsey and Gianluca Busio.
By seeing how Wan Kuzain scoring his first goal on Sundays, match against the Loons after coming as a sub early in the match. Still the question lingers of who will he sent to face off a new and improved Portland squad this Saturday?
However, for manager Vermes this match is not lie an USOC to experiment, especially of the importance it carries. For sure he will send in his starting eleven and in its majority familiar with the Portland game and its top playmakers. For sure, he will send his traditional 4-3-3 formation to see if he can again stop the drive and confidence of the Rose City Boys.
GK Tim Melia, Graham Zusi, Ike Opara, Matt Besle, Seth Sinovic, midfielders Roger Espinoza, Ilie Sanchez, Wan Kuzain, forwards, Cristian Lobato, Daniel Salloi, Gerso Fernandez
2017 Meetings
April 15: Portland Timbers 0- SKC 1
July 1: SKC 1- Portland Timbers 1
Prediction: Even match from start to finish and the winner will be by one goal.
Portland Timbers
MLS
