<b>KEY PLAYERS :</b>
ATTACKING
The Whitecaps will need their designated player <b>Barry Robson</b> to step up in this game if they look to advance to the playoffs with a win. Control in the midfield will be the key and the Scot is the one who looks to push the ball forward in attack. He will need to find both of the strikers in scoring positions around the box, especially since he will play the tip in the diamond formation.
It has been mixed results for <b>Darlington Nagbe</b> this season in Portland. He has scored six goals but only picked up his first assist in the last game in August. The Timbers hoped Nagbe would be the facilitator for the attack this season but the sophomore has not met those expectations.
[PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
DEFENCE
The pulse and success of the defensive side of the game seems to revolve around <b>Alain Rochat</b>, with the team succeeding when he is on the pitch and playing well. It seems the normal left back will be asked to play the defensive midfield spot again in the 4-4-2 diamond formation the Whitecaps will employ.
The Timbers brought in defender <b>Hanyer Mosquera</b> to stabilize the backline but the club has the third worst defense in MLS. Despite the lack of overall team defending the Colombian displays the attributes of a solid centrehalf, with physical tackles, solid positioning, and a commanding presence on the backline.
<b>WHO'S ON FORM :</b>
Last year’s team MVP <b>Camilo</b> has struggled this season but may have found his touch late in the season with a goal and two assists in his last start. The Brazilian seemed to excel playing more in the middle of the pitch as a striker instead of out wide on the left.
The loss of Kris Boyd due to injury has given <b>Bright Dike</b> an opportunity to see more time as the target striker, with some success. The young and hardworking forward brings a physicality to the box, scoring a goal in two of his last three appearances.
<b>2012 RECORD :</b>
Vancouver:
11W-9D-12L
5th in Western Conference
Last Match: 4-0 Win vs Chivas USA
Portland:
7W-9D-16L
8th in Western Conference
Last Match: 4-0 Loss vs Real Salt Lake
<b>PROJECTED LINE-UPS :</b>
<b>INJURIES/MISSING :</b>
Vancouver:
None
Portland:
Out: DF Chris Taylor (hip)
Doubtful: DF Ian Hogg (ankle)
Questionable: FW Kris Boyd (adductor)
<b>GAME ANALYSIS :</b>
The Whitecaps are on the verge of making history as the first Canadian team to make the MLS playoffs since the League’s inception. However, in order to accomplish that feat, the Whitecaps will have to win their last home game of the season and defeat Portland Timbers, which will give them their first Cascadian win in MLS.
There will be very limited changes to the lineup that beat Chivas USA 4-0 with the keeping duties going to Brad Knighton. In front of him in the backline will have Andy O’Brien team up with Jay DeMerit, while Lee Young-Pyo and Jordan Harvey will be on the wings.
The midfield will be a diamond with Alain Rochat playing the holding role and Barry Robson at the tip of the formation with Gershon Koffie and Matt Watson in the wide parts. There is a chance that Darren Mattocks could be ready from an injury, but it is more likely that Camilo and Kenny Miller will form the partnership at the top.
Dane Richards excelled when coming on as sub against Chivas, but games and travels from Jamaica are likely to see him on the bench.
Despite having multiple ways to clinch the final playoff spot, the Caps must not take any chances on relying on others to help them. During these two weeks the mantra has been "Win and We’re In" and that belief would be perfect in this situation.
A similar game plan that they enforced against Chivas would be ideal, especially if it garners them the first goal early. The first score will allow the match to open up more, which could lead to more space for the Whitecaps attackers to widen the lead.
Portland has struggled to find any kind of success on the road. They are the only team yet to have secured a victory away from home this season. In fact their goal differential tells the story as they are +3 at home and -26 on the road, while only scoring nine times in 16 road games. In addition to picking up three points on the road for the first time this season, the Timbers will be trying to secure the Cascadia Cup with a win and spoil their rivals' party.
The two week layoff has allowed the majority of their injured players to move off the disabled list but it could have also made the team a little rusty. The longer the game goes without a goal for Vancouver, the more of a chance there is for failure for the Whitecaps to get the best result.
This is a game the Whitecaps have had two weeks to prep for, so at this point the Caps will need to leave excuses at home. They will need to go all in and take the game to their Cascadian rivals, allowing the supporters to leave the game happy knowing the playoffs are on the way and not care about what Dallas do in Seattle.
You never want to rely on a fierce rival to get the job done for you.
<p>