<b>KEY PLAYERS :</b>
ATTACKING
After his impressive start in the Cascadia derby against Seattle, expect <b>Darren Mattocks</b> to get his second start against the Timbers. The Akron product should give the opposition defenders a difficult time with his extreme pace, but he must be more clinical around the net in order to keep getting starts from Martin Rennie.
Despite the fact that <b>Kris Boyd</b> has only scored three goals this season, after so many preseason expectations, the Whitecaps must still mark the striker closely. The Scottish international leads the Timbers in the shots attempted category but normally doesn’t need very many chances around the box in order to score.
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DEFENCE
It will be <b>Jay DeMerit’s</b> fourth start on the backline in ten days and the Whitecaps need the Captain to continue his strong play, despite the tired legs from the recent matches. His main objective will be to track Boyd closely which may sound easy, as the Scot is not known for his pace, but a small mistake could lead to a goal.
After missing the first few games with eye and concussion issues, <b>Hanyer Mosquera</b> has returned to the starting eleven to stabilize the backline. So far this season, the latest Colombian import has displayed tackles, solid positioning, and a commanding presence on the backline.
<b>WHO'S ON FORM :</b>
Considering his strong play, there was some surprise and questions as to why <b>Davide Chiumiento</b> didn’t start in the second leg against Toronto FC. When he did come on in the final minutes, the play in the midfield for Vancouver improved, as they were able to maintain possession better and create more opportunities to find the equalizer.
With the Timbers struggling to score goals, it is goalkeeper <b>Troy Perkins</b> who has stepped up his game to keep his club from falling in the standings. Prior to allowing the goal against Chicago last week, Perkins had gone a straight 372 shutout minutes.
<b>2012 RECORD :</b>
Vancouver:
5W-3D-3L
4th in Western Conference
Last Match: 1-0 Loss at Toronto (Canadian Championship)
Portland:
3W-3D-5L
8th in Western Conference
Last Match: 2-1 Win vs Chicago Fire
<b>PROJECTED LINE-UPS :</b>
<b>INJURIES/MISSING :</b>
Vancouver:
Out: GK Brian Sylvestre (knee), FW Atiba Harris (quad)
Doubtful: DF Alain Rochat (ankle)
Portland:
Probable: DF Futty Danso (L hamstring strain), MF Jack Jewsbury (pelvic sprain)
<b>GAME ANALYSIS :</b>
After failing in the in their attempt to capture the Voyageurs Cup against TFC, the Whitecaps will turn around and travel to Portland to face their second Cascadian rival in as many weeks. Last year the Caps were swept by the Timbers in their two meetings, losing 2-1 on the road and 1-0 in the opening game at BC Place. The game in Portland will also be the Club’s final game in a stretch that saw them play nine matches in less than thirty days.
The starting line-up could go any way considering all the fixture congestion, but expect Joe Cannon to once again get the start in goal. There are questions in the backline due to injury and fatigue, as the ankle injury to Alain Rochat, while not listed by MLS, could be a concern. While either or both Lee Young-Pyo and Martin Bonjour could see the bench due to fatigue, there should be no doubt that DeMerit will be on the pitch.
In the midfield, Chiumiento should start as the attacking midfielder considering he was on the bench for the midweek game, with Koffie pairing with either Thorrington or Davidson on the backline. Up front, Le Toux will most likely start. He has yet to miss a match against a MLS opponent, and he should be joined by the youngsters Omar Salgado and Darren Mattocks.
<b>AFTN Prediction: Portland Timbers 1 Vancouver Whitecaps 1</b>
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