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The MLS is back in action with another set of important matches this weekend as Vancouver Whitecaps take on Portland Timbers on Sunday. Both teams have been inconsistent this season and have a point to prove in this game.
Portland Timbers are in sixth place in the MLS Western Conference standings and have been fairly impressive this season. The Timbers eased past Houston Dynamo last weekend and will be confident ahead of this match.
Vancouver Whitecaps, on the other hand, are currently in eighth place in the league table and have recovered after a slow start to their campaign. The Whitecaps edged Austin FC to a 2-1 victory in their previous game and will want a similar result from this fixture.
Vancouver Whitecaps vs Portland Timbers Head-to-Head
Portland Timbers have an impressive record against Vancouver Whitecaps and have won 14 out of 29 matches played between the two teams. Vancouver Whitecaps have managed eight victories against the Timbers and will have to step up on Friday.
The previous game between the two teams took place in April this year and ended in a 1-0 victory for Vancouver Whitecaps. Portland Timbers were poor on the day and will need to take it up a notch this weekend.
Vancouver Whitecaps form guide in MLS 2021: W-W-W-W-D
Portland Timbers form guide in MLS 2021: W-W-L-D-L
Vancouver Whitecaps vs Portland Timbers Team News
Vancouver Whitecaps
Jake Nerwinski, Cristian Gutierrez, and Caio Alexandre are injured at the moment and have been ruled out of this match. Javain Brown and Maxime Crepeau are on international duty and will be unavailable for selection.
Injured: Cristian Gutierrez, Jake Nerwinski, Caio Alexandre
Doubtful: None
Unavailable: Javain Brown, Maxime Crepeau, Lucas Cavallini
Portland Timbers
Portland Timbers will have to address the absence of a few key players going into this game as Jeff Attinella, Andy Polo, and Eryk Williamson remain sidelined with injuries. Cristhian Paredes is also carrying a knock and might not feature in this match.
Injured: Jeff Attinella, Andy Polo, Eryk Williamson
Doubtful: Cristhian Paredes
Unavailable: None
Vancouver Whitecaps vs Portland Timbers Predicted XI
Vancouver Whitecaps Predicted XI (4-3-3): Thomas Hasal; Bruno Gaspar, Florian Jungwirth, Erik Godoy, Janio Bikel; Leonard Owusu, Michael Baldisimo, Russell Teibert; Cristian Dajome, Brian White, Deiber Caicedo
Portland Timbers Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Steve Clark; Claudio Bravo, Dario Zuparic, Larrys Mabiala, Jose Van Rankin; George Fochive, Diego Chara; Diego Valeri, Dairon Asprilla, Sebastian Blanco; Felipe Mora
Vancouver Whitecaps vs Portland Timbers Prediction
Vancouver Whitecaps have improved in recent weeks and could pose a viable threat this weekend. The Canadian outfit is unbeaten in its last ten league games and will want to maintain its streak on Friday.
Portland Timbers are yet to hit their stride this season and have a point to prove in this match. Vancouver Whitecaps are the better team at the moment and should be able to win this game.
Prediction: Vancouver Whitecaps 2-1 Portland Timbers
