Major League Soccer returns with a fresh set of fixtures on Saturday night when Portland Timbers and Columbus Crew go head to head at Providence Park.
While the visitors are currently on an eight-game unbeaten run, the Timbers will head into the weekend looking to end their run of five consecutive games without a win.
Match preview
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With the 2023 Major League Soccer campaign well across its midway point, Portland Timbers will need to turn their fortunes around sooner rather than later if they are to return to the playoffs.
Giovanni Savarese's men failed to secure post-season football for the first time in seven years last season when they finished eighth in the Western Conference table, one point below the playoff qualification spot.
This season, Portland Timbers have picked up a mere 23 points from their 22 matches so far to sit 12th in the West, five points off the playoff places.
A lack of cutting-edge in attack has been a major reason behind the Timbers' poor campaign as they have netted just 23 goals so far — only five of the 29 MLS teams have scored fewer.
This was highlighted again earlier this week when they played out a goalless draw with rock-bottom Colorado Rapids at Dick's Sporting Goods Park.
Portland Timbers have now gone five consecutive games without a win, claiming three draws and losing twice since picking up a 1-0 victory over FC Dallas on June 12.
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While they will be looking to find their feet and get their campaign back on track, Sunday's game pits them against a formidable side in Columbus Crew who will be looking to move into third place in the East.
The Crew turned in an impressive team performance at the weekend when they fought back from behind to salvage a 1-1 draw with New York FC despite playing with one man down.
Columbus Crew head into Saturday's matchup on an eight-match undefeated streak, picking up five wins and three draws since May's 3-1 defeat against Nashville at Geodis Park.
Wilfried Nancy's men have picked up 10 wins, six draws and lost six of their 22 matches this season to collect 36 points and sit fifth in the Eastern Conference table, two points behind third-placed Nashville.
Columbus Crew now take a trip to Providence Park, where they have failed to win any of their last five visits, losing three and picking up two draws since May 2011.
Team News
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Portland Timbers will be without the midfield duo of David Ayala and Eryk Williamson, who continue their long spells on the sidelines after both suffering ACL injuries in April.
Veteran forward Yimmy Chara has missed each of the last seven matches after coming off with a hamstring problem against Sporting Kansas City on May 28.
American goalkeeper Hunter Sulte has been out of action since April, while striker Evander is a major doubt for the Timbers, having missed each of their two last matches.
Columbia Crew will take to the pitch without the services of Colombian forward Cucho Hernandez, who is currently suspended after picking up a red card last weekend.
The 24-year-old has scored five goals and registered six assists in the MLS this season, with only Lucas Zelarayyan (14) providing more goal involvements for the Crew.
In his absence, Canadian forward Jacen Russell-Rowe could be handed a starting role this weekend, forming the front three with Zelarayyan and 33-year-old striker Christian Ramirez.
On the injury front, Columbus Crew will have to cope without 23-year-old William Sands, who has been sidelined since picking up a knee injury against Charlotte FC on April 23.
Portland Timbers possible starting lineup:
Bingham; Mosquera, Miller, Zuparic, Bravo; Griffith, Chara, Paredes; Fogaca, Boli, Loria
Columbus Crew possible starting lineup:
Schulte; Zawadzki, Moreira, Amundsen; Farsi, Matan, Zelarrayan, Nagbe; Yeboah, Ramirez, Russell-Rowe
We say: Portland Timbers 1-1 Columbus Crew
While the Crew have put together a fine run of form in recent weeks, they have managed just one win in their last six outings. Portland Timbers head into the weekend in need of a morale-boosting result, but we predict that they will have to settle for a draw against a solid Columbus Crew side.
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