The Western Conference playoff picture is nowhere near settled with just six points separating first place from the fifth. Colorado sits in third with 45, two more points than the fifth place Timbers. This is Portland’s chance to jump them after a disappointing draw with Chivas last week.
Portland and Colorado are both on hot-streaks. The Timbers haven’t lost at home in six months and the Rapids have won seven of the last 13 while only losing once. With so much on the line I expect referee Hilario Grajeda to issue plenty of cards.
For the first match in quite some time the Portland Timbers are mostly healthy. Jack Jewsbury, Diego Valeri, and Alvas Powell should all return to their respective spots in the 18. Most important is Valeri’s return to the starting 11. Portland can’t afford to give up the first goal this week like they did against Chivas, they have to come out strong and Valeri is key to doing so. Powell is important too, his speed makes him a good counter to Colorado’s Atiba Harris, Deshorn Brown, and Gabriel Torres. Not only that, but he’s hands-down a better defender than Sal Zizzo.
Up top for the Timbers I would bet on Ryan Johnson returning to his normal starting position. Valencia has done admirably, but looked a bit out of place last week against Chivas and doesn’t always start at a high-tempo. I expect to see Urruti come on around the 70th to play with RJ for whichever winger isn’t making an impact and Valencia to take RJ’s spot maybe 10 minutes later.
Colorado has one player suspended this week due to yellow card accumulation, midfielder Nathan Sturgis. In his place will be either German Mera or Gabriel Torres. If Torres is fit enough to go the full 90, which I suspect he is after subbing on late last week, he’ll take over for Sturgis and the Rapids can play more of an attacking style. The tough thing about prepping for Colorado is that coach Oscar Pareja in known for changing lineups every week. While Mera or Torres could start, Nick LaBrocca and Martin Rivero could slide in just as easily depending on the desired style and formation.
Game Predictions:
● Portland scores off a direct free kick. I think this game is going to be chippy. Not only is it between conference and playoff rivals, but the points matter immensely to both teams. I want to say Diego Valeri will be the one getting the goal, but Will Johnson has been far more consistent at getting balls on target. So in this case I’ll just call the goal.
● One red card is issued. Again, I see this being a chippy game. Hendry Thomas is tied for the third most yellow card in the league with 7 and has earned several suspensions as well. I wouldn’t be surprised to see either him or Alvas Powell making a reckless and dangerous challenge.
Projected Lineups:
Portland Timbers: Donovan Ricketts; Michael Harrington, Pa Modou Kah, Andrew Jean-Baptiste, Alvas Powell; Will Johnson, Diego Chara; Rodney Wallace, Diego Valeri, Darlington Nagbe; Ryan Johnson
Colorado Rapids: Clint Irwin; Chris Klute, Shane O’Neill, Drew Moor, Marvell Wynne; Vicente Sanchez, Dillon Powers, Hendry Thomas; Gabriel Torres, Deshorn Brown, Atiba Harris
