Looking to end a three-game winless run, San Jose Earthquakes will welcome Portland Timbers to the PayPal Park this weekend for their MLS fixture.
The hosts are 11th in the Western Conference standings with 10 points from 10 matches, while the visiting side, who are second in the table with 18 points, will be aiming to extend their unbeaten run to eight games in the league.
Match preview
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After San Jose Earthquakes won their first two fixtures of the 2025 Major League Soccer season, the Quakes would have been hopeful for a better season, following their disastrous outing in the previous campaign.
However, since their victories over Real Salt Lake (4-0) and Sporting Kansas City (2-1), the Goonies have been largely inconsistent, enduring a four-game winless run, which includes three losses and a draw, before a 6-1 triumph over DC United offered hopes of a resurgence.
Nevertheless, that was not the case, as Bruce Arena's men have suffered three losses, leaving them 11th in the standings with 10 points in the Western Conference.
Seeking to end their dismal run, the hosts will be desperate to earn a victory to avoid a four-game losing streak for the first time since June 2024.
Although the home side have been let down by their defensive frailties, having conceded 19 times already this term, they have been quite prolific up front, boasting the joint-best scoring record with 20 goals - a record shared with Vancouver Whitecaps and Portland Timbers, who are first and second respectively in the West.
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After a mediocre start to the current campaign, Portland Timbers seem to have overcome their haphazard start to the season, rediscovering their goalscoring form in the process.
The visiting side struggled to find the back of the net in their first four games this term, scoring one goal or fewer, but they have netted 17 times in their last six encounters, making Phil Neville's team one of the most prolific sides in the league.
Last time out, the Timbers claimed a 4-2 victory over Los Angeles Galaxy to extend their unbeaten streak to seven matches, a result which left them with 18 points from 10 matches, to sit second in the West, five behind leaders Vancouver Whitecaps.
And going into this fixture with a record of three wins from five matches on the road, the Portland-based team will be confident of their chances of claiming yet another victory away from their territory.
Given that Neville's charges have won three consecutive head-to-head meetings between them, they will not be short on confidence in the days leading to the match.
Should the visitors earn a victory, they will extend their unbeaten run to eight matches for the first time since August 2022.
Team News
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San Jose have a depleted squad due to injuries, meaning Arena will lead his team out with several regulars not in contention.
Hernan Lopez is confined to the treatment room with a shoulder injury, and this fixture may come too soon for the 24-year-old midfielder.
On a positive note, Brazilian goalkeeper Daniel returned to action last weekend, and he is expected to keep his place between the sticks.
Benjamin Kikanovic is stricken with a knee injury, while Wilson Bruno remains on the sidelines with an undisclosed injury as is Nick Fernandez.
For the visitors, Kevin Kelsy found the back of the net in their last outing to record his fourth of the season, and he is a sure bet to lead the line this weekend.
Felipe Mora, who is the fourth all-time goalscorer with 48 goals across all competitions, is also in with a shout to start at the PayPal Park.
San Jose Earthquakes possible starting lineup:
Daniel; Floriani, Munie, Romney; Espinoza, Leroux, Harkes, Costa; Pellegrino, Arango, Martinez
Portland Timbers possible starting lineup:
Pantemis; Mosquera, Surman, Miller, Fory; Ortiz, Ayala; Costa, Antony, Moreno; Kelsy
We say: San Jose Earthquakes 1-2 Portland Timbers
Both sides have a knack for scoring goals, but the visitors have been more efficient, leading to a six-game unbeaten run, with four wins in that period.
Given the defensive woes of the hosts, we are backing Portland to claim a narrow 2-1 win.
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