Preview:Dallas vs Portland Timbers - prediction, team news, lineups

FC Dallas have a date with Portland Timbers in their latest MLS clash at the Toyota Stadium this weekend.

Dallas are entering this contest off the back of a 4-3 loss to New York City FC, while Portland claimed a 1-0 victory against Los Angeles FC.

Match preview

Dallas’ last defeat against New York City FC leaves them five points adrift of qualification for the wild-card round, although they have a game in hand.

Last time out, they were on a quest to equal their longest unbeaten run in MLS this season, and their first back-to-back victories on their turf this year.

However, that outcome was a disappointing one, as they continued their wretched form in the league.

Defensively, the home side have been struggling, a situation evident in the 13 goals they have conceded in their last six MLS fixtures.

Going into this contest, the Bulls will go out in search of their third triumph in nine league fixtures.

Meanwhile, Portland Timbers claimed their first win in four Major League Soccer matches when they travelled to Los Angeles FC in their last league outing.

The visiting side have claimed four points in their last two outings, after a couple of losses in the league.

Nevertheless, Timbers are comfortable in fifth position of the Western Conference standings, with 37 points from 24 league fixtures.

That said, the away side have recorded a solitary victory in their last five league fixtures, a 1-0 triumph against Los Angeles FC.

Dallas Major League Soccer form:

L L L D W L

Portland Timbers Major League Soccer form:

L W L L D W

Portland Timbers form (all competitions):

L D W W W L

Team News

A knee problem kept Paxton Pomykal out of the Dallas squad in their last match, the same as Geovane Jesus, who has been on the mend from an injury to the same area in recent months.

Enzo Newman is another one who will not be in Eric Quill’s plan this weekend.

Ecuadorian Julio Santos is a major doubt for this encounter, and he will require a late fitness test to prove his readiness.

As for the away side, Jonathan Rodriguez is out with an unspecified injury, and he is not expected to be in action this weekend.

Canadian Maxime Crepeau is expected to keep his place in goal for the hosts.

Dallas possible starting lineup:

Paes; Abubakar, Moore, Torquato; Kaick, Ramiro, Urhoghide, Ibeagha; Farrington, Delgado, Musa

Portland Timbers possible starting lineup:

Crepeau; Smith, Mosquera, Fory; Miller, Surman, Paredes, Ayala; Mora, Moreno, Da Costa

We say: Dallas 0-1 Portland Timbers

The visitors appear to be the favourites for this match, and recent form suggests they should take away all three points when they clash this weekend. Therefore, we back the away side to claim a 1-0 win.

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