In a crucial MLS Western Conference game this Sunday, Portland Timbers will travel to America First Field to face Real Salt Lake.
Both teams compete for a playoff spot on the final day of the regular season, but only one can place in the crucial top seven.
Following a losing streak that dates back to the beginning of September, Real Salt Lake will need to triumph for the first time in six games if they are to advance to the playoffs. In their previous match, a 1-1 draw away at Los Angeles Galaxy, Pablo Mastroeni’s team showed some slight improvement.
Giovanni Savarese, the manager of the Portland Timbers, will be miffed that his team is in this situation at all, given that they just needed a point against Los Angeles FC in their most recent game to secure a playoff spot.
Denis Bouanga’s injury-time goal caused The Timbers to lose 2-1 in unbearable circumstances, placing them in the unfortunate situation of requiring a victory on the final day.
Date and kickoff time
Sunday 9th October 2022
UK (BST) 10:00 PM
CEST: 11:00 PM
Eastern Time: 5:00 PM
Central Time: 4:00 PM
Mountain Time: 3:00 PM
Pacific Time: 2:00 PM
Real Salt Lake vs Portland Timbers live stream and TV channel
US: ESPN2, fuboTV, ESPN3, ESPN App, Fox 12 Plus, KMYU Utah, KSL-TV, SiriusXM FC
UK and Ireland: Sky Go UK, NOW, SKY GO Extra, Sky Sports Football
Australia: Foxtel Now, WatchESPN Australia
Brazil: DAZN
Canada: DAZN
Germany: DAZN
Mexico: ESPN Mexico, Star+
Netherlands: ESPN Extra
Spain: DAZN
Team News
With nine league goals this season, the highest of any Salt Lake player, Cordova is sure to keep his spot in attack. He will likely be partnered by fellow countryman Jefferson Savarino, who has six league goals in his debut season with the team.
Another player predicted to start is 33-year-old Marcelo Silva, who will most likely be joined in defence by Aaron Herrera and Justen Glad.
Dairon Asprilla, who has started the previous six league games for Portland Timbers and has four goals, will probably be the favoured option to lead the line.
Last time out, Jaroslaw Niezgoda made his first start in seven games while playing on the left wing. He may start this time in the same position as Cristhian Paredes on the other side.
Bill Tuiloma has been a reliable player for The Timbers this season, appearing in 29 games. The 27-year-old will once again be given preference at centre back.
Real Salt Lake MLS form:
L, D, L, L, D
Portland Timbers MLS form:
W, W, W, D, L
Real Salt Lake’s expected lineup:
MacMath; Silva, Herrera, Glad; Brody, Ojeda, Loffelsend, Caldwell, Oviedo; Cordova, Savarino
Portland Timbers expected lineup:
Ivacic; Mabiala, Zuparic, Tuiloma; Mosquera, Chara, Moreno, Bravo; Paredes, Niezgoda, Asprilla
Prediction
Real Salt Lake 0-1 Portland Timbers
Real Salt Lake has misplayed lately, and I don’t believe they will be able to change their fortunes in the season’s last encounter.
In what promises to be a close game, Portland Timbers are in decent shape and should be able to win the crucial point required to secure a spot in the playoffs.