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The MLS is back with another season this weekend and features a group of intriguing matches as Vancouver Whitecaps take on Portland Timbers at the Rio Tinto Stadium on Sunday. The two teams completed contrasting campaigns last year and will want to win this game.
Vancouver Whitecaps finished their MLS 2020 campaign in a lowly ninth place and were unable to qualify for the final series. The Canadian outfit has not been at its best in recent weeks and has plenty of work to do ahead of this fixture.
Portland Timbers, on the other hand, finished in third place in the Western Conference Standings last year and also won the 'MLS is Back' Tournament. The Timbers have been impressive in recent weeks and will be confident ahead of this game.
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Vancouver Whitecaps vs Portland Timbers Head-to-Head
Portland Timbers have a good record against Vancouver Whitecaps and have won 14 games out of a total of 28 matches played between the two teams. Vancouver Whitecaps have managed only seven victories against Portland Timbers and will have to be at their best this weekend.
The previous meeting between the two teams took place in November last year and ended in a narrow 1-0 victory for Portland Timbers. Vancouver Whitecaps gave a good account of themselves on the day but will have to be more clinical in this match.
Vancouver Whitecaps form guide: W-W-W-L-L
Portland Timbers form guide: W-D-D-D-W
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Vancouver Whitecaps vs Portland Timbers Team News
Vancouver Whitecaps
Vancouver Whitecaps shot-stopper Thomas Hasal is injured at the moment and will be replaced by Maxime Crepeau against Portland Timbers. Ali Adnan is also carrying a niggle and might not feature in this game.
Injured: Thomas Hasal
Doubtful: Ali Adnan
Suspended: None
Portland Timbers
Portland Timbers will have to address the absence of a few key players going into this game as Sebastian Blanco, Jaroslaw Niezgoda, and Jeremy Ebobisse remain sidelined with injuries. The Timbers have been impressive in recent weeks and are unlikely to make drastic changes to their team this weekend.
Injured: Sebastian Blanco, Jaroslaw Niezgoda, Jeremy Ebobisse
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None
Vancouver Whitecaps vs Portland Timbers Predicted XI
Vancouver Whitecaps Predicted XI (4-3-3): Maxime Crepeau; Cristian Gutierrez, Ranko Veselinovic, Erik Godoy, Bruno Gaspar; Russel Teibert, Caio Alexandre, Michael Baldisimo; Cristian Dajome, Deiber Caicedo, Lucas Cavallini
Portland Timbers Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Steve Clark; Claudio Bravo, Dario Zuparic, Larrys Mabiala, Jose Rankin; Eryk Williamson, Diego Chara; Diego Valeri, Andy Polo, Yimmi Chara; Felipe Mora
Vancouver Whitecaps vs Portland Timbers Prediction
Vancouver Whitecaps have enjoyed an impressive pre-season and have managed to score nine goals in their last three games. The Whitecaps do have a few defensive issues to solve, however, and will need to play out of their skins in this game.
Portland Timbers have been excellent in the CONCACAF Champions League and will hope to replicate last season's fortunes this year. The Timbers have enjoyed plenty of success in recent months and hold a slight edge going into this match.
Prediction: Vancouver Whitecaps 1-2 Portland Timbers
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