MX23RW : Thursday, March 28 21:33:31| >> :120:49967:49967:
[monks data]
Portland Timbers
Major League Soccer
May 21, 2023 at 3.30am UK
Providence Park
Minnesota United

Portland
0 - 1
Minnesota Utd


McGraw (63'), Bravo (67'), Zuparic (84')
FT(HT: 0-0)
Hlongwane (90+5')
Boxall (82'), Hlongwane (90+5')

Preview: Portland Timbers vs. Minnesota United - prediction, team news, lineups

Sports Mole previews Sunday's Major League Soccer clash between Portland Timbers and Minnesota United, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Portland Timbers will attempt to extend their unbeaten streak in Major League Soccer to five matches when they face Minnesota United at Providence Park on Sunday.

The visitors snapped a six-game winless run last time out and will be looking to claim their fourth away victory of the campaign this weekend.


Match preview

Portland Timbers head coach Giovanni Savarese reacts during the first half on April 2, 2023© Reuters

After a lengthy weather delay, the Portland Timbers managed to grind out a scoreless draw against Real Salt Lake, just one week after being knocked out of the US Open Cup by RSL.

The stalemate marked the first clean sheet of the season for Portland goalkeeper Aljaz Ivacic, who made crucial saves all night for the Timbers and extended his side's unbeaten streak to four matches.

Giovanni Savarese's men reacted well to the cup defeat against Real Salt Lake when they returned to MLS football last weekend, by beating the Vancouver Whitecaps thanks to Franck Boli's strike and a brace from Evander.

The Timbers currently find themselves sixth in the Western Conference with four wins, four draws and five losses so far this campaign and will be looking to climb the table further this weekend.

Minnesota United head coach Adrian Heath directs his players on May 9, 2023© Reuters

Minnesota managed to earn their first win of the month on Thursday with a 1-0 triumph over the Houston Dynamo, courtesy of Bongokuhle Hlongwane's 14th-minute strike.

That victory snapped a six-game winless run in the league for Adrian Heath's side, although the Loons have managed to secure a place in the round of 16 of the US Open Cup in recent weeks.

A 3-1 victory over Detroit City set up a round of 32 clash with the Philadelphia Union, which ended 3-3 after 120 minutes of action, with Minnesota eventually prevailing on penalties.

The Loons currently sit seventh in the Western Conference, two points clear of playoff-chasing Austin FC in 10th, and Heath's side have found more joy on their travels than in front of their fans this season, picking up nine points from seven games on the road - the fifth-best record in the league.

Portland Timbers Major League Soccer form:


Portland Timbers form (all competitions):
  • W
  • W
  • D
  • L
  • W
  • D

Minnesota United Major League Soccer form:


Minnesota United form (all competitions):
  • W
  • D
  • L
  • W
  • L
  • W


Team News

Portland Timbers forward Jaroslaw Niezgoda (11) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal on May 10, 2023© Reuters

Evander has been in sparkling form for the hosts in recent weeks, so the Brazilian looks set to retain his place in the starting XI on Sunday.

Aljaz Ivacic earned his first clean sheet of the season last time out against Real Salt Lake, so he looks set to start between the sticks for the Timbers this weekend, while Savarese may opt to keep the same defensive pairing of Zac McGraw and Dario Zuparic.

As for the visitors, Minnesota centre-back Mikael Marques is expected to be sidelined until later this month due to an ankle injury, while fellow defender Bakaye Dibassy has not featured for the hosts since suffering a tendon injury back in August.

Bongokuhle Hlongwane has scored three in his last three appearances for Minnesota, so he looks likely to retain his place in attack.


Portland Timbers possible starting lineup:
Ivacic; Mosquera, McGraw, Zuparic, Bravo; D. Chara, Paredes; Moreno, Evander, Blanco; Boli

Minnesota United possible starting lineup:
St Clair; Boxall, Kallman, Tapias; Taylor, Dotson, Lod, Arriaga, Lawrence; Hlongwane, Amarilla


SM words green background

We say: Portland Timbers 1-1 Minnesota United

Portland come into this match as the side in better form, but Minnesota have one of the better away records in the division.

Therefore, we think this will be a closely-fought contest with the sides sharing the spoils.

How to watch

You can watch Portland Timbers vs. Minnesota United and every MLS match this season live on Apple TV. Click here for more details on how to subscribe.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

Top tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting over 2.5 goals in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.Over 2.5:data


ID:514125:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect12082:

Previews by email

Click here to get Sports Mole's daily email of previews and predictions for every major game!



Game History
Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
New York Red Bulls midfielder Omir Fernandez (21) celebrates his goal with teammates on May 9, 2023
Read Next:
Saturday's Major League Soccer predictions including New York Red Bulls vs. New York City
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!