Fourth-placed Portland Timbers will welcome Seattle Sounders for their MLS Western Conference fixture at Providence Park on Sunday.
The hosts will aim to extend their unbeaten run to four games across all competitions, while the sixth-placed Sounders will be looking to get back to winning ways.
Match preview
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Portland Timbers appear to have turned the corner after losing two and winning one of their first three matches in the 2025 MLS season.
In their last ten fixtures, PTFC suffered just one defeat, a 4-1 hammering at the hands of San Jose Earthquakes on May 4, with the other results being five wins and four draws.
Last time out, Phil Neville's men could not build on their gameweek 11 narrow 1-0 victory over Sporting Kansas City, when they played out a barren draw at Real Salt Lake, recording their second consecutive clean sheet.
For a side that has conceded 19 goals across 13 matches - the joint-fourth worst defensive record in the West - Neville will be pleased with the successive shutouts recorded by his team.
Sitting fourth in the Western Conference table with 22 points, a win could see Rose City rise to second in the log, if San Diego FC and Minnesota United fail to win this weekend.
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As for Seattle Sounders, they enter this contest off the back of a crushing 4-0 pounding against Los Angeles FC at the BMO Stadium, bringing an end to their five-game unbeaten run.
With that outcome, the visitors missed out on the chance to claim three consecutive victories for the first time in 2025, and six games unbeaten in MLS since November 2024.
The loss last weekend has seen Brian Schmetzer's team slide down the standings from fifth to sixth with 19 points, three behind Sunday's hosts.
Although they failed to find the back of the net in their last league outing, Schmetzer can still rely on his attack, which has returned 12 goals in their last six matches in the top division - four more than their tally after their first seven games this term.
However, having conceded seven goals in their last four matches, the Rave Green must improve on their defensive showing if they are to get a positive result from this encounter.
Team News
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Portland Timbers have some regulars ruled out of this fixture, with the likes of James Pantemis, Diego Chara and Jimer Fory not in contention for places.
With Pantemis still on the sidelines, Maxime Crepeau will continue in goal for the hosts.
Antony, who ranks second in the assist table with eight so far, has been crucial for the home side, and he is expected to get a starting berth.
Kelvin Kelsy, who was recalled for their last outing, is expected to keep his place in the starting XI.
Meanwhile, Paul Arriola is still unavailable for the visiting side due to a knee injury sustained against Cruz Azul in their Champions Cup clash on March 12.
His compatriot Jordan Morris is also sidelined for this clash, as he is currently recuperating from a hamstring injury.
Portland Timbers possible starting lineup:
Crepeau; Zuparic, Bravo, Miller, Mosquera; Paredes, Ortiz; Moreno, Da Costa; Antony, Kelsy
Seattle Sounders possible starting lineup:
Thomas; Bell, Gomez, Tolo; Rothrock, Paulo, Leyva, Kossa-Rienzi; La Vega, De Rosario, Ferreira
We say: Portland Timbers 2-1 Seattle Sounders
The hosts have been enjoying a fine run in the league, with only one loss in their last 10 league outings, a feat made possible by their impressive attack, and up against a Sounders side with a fragile backline, we predict a 2-1 win for the hosts.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
