The Portland Timbers host the Seattle Sounders in the first Cascadia Derby of the season between the two Major League Soccer clubs. Neither Western Conference team has started the MLS season well; however, recent results have been positive.
Portland have won three straight matches under first-year manager Giovanni Savarese. The Timbers last three matches have finished with the team winning by a combined score of 7-2, and the club's defence has kept back-to-back clean sheets. Portland's defence has improved greatly, but the side is still –1 in goal difference having given up 14 goals in total.
Attacking midfielders Diego Valeri and Sebastian Blanco lead Portland in goals this term with four each. Striker Fanendo Adi has added two goals with both coming his last three matches. The trio of attackers are heating up for Portland and their ability to find the back of the net will dictate whether the Timbers make the playoffs this term.
The Seattle Sounds have appeared in two straight MLS Cup finals. In both seasons, the Sounders started the regular season slowly, but halfway through the term turned their play around. In both seasons, Seattle were far from the best team in the Western Conference, yet the Sounders played well enough to make the cup final, winning it in 2016 and losing to Toronto FC in 2017. This season could be a repeat of those previous years.
Brian Schmetzer's team is undefeated in its last two games. However, the Sounders have obtained just eight points from 24 this season. Goals have been a rarity for the Sounders, as the club has scored the fewest strikes in the Western Conference (seven). Veteran striker Will Bruin has tallied three of the team's goals and the veteran striker scored in Seattle's win against Toronto a week ago. Schmetzer's side has struggled in front of goal partly due to forward Jordan Morris being injured this term with a torn ACL.
Seattle have gained half of their points away from home this term. The side has recorded a –3 goal difference on the road. While Seattle have struggled in away fixtures, Portland have been perfect at home. The Timbers have won all six points possible at Providence Park in 2018 while securing six goals and a +4 goal difference.
Portland have several players fighting for fitness ahead of the derby. David Guzman, Vytas and Bill Tuiloma will be decided on ahead of the game's kickoff on Sunday.
The Sounders' woes continue as star players Nicolas Lodeiro and Roman Torres are set to miss the match through injury. Attacking midfielder Harry Ship will be decided on closer to the fixture. If Ship isn't able to play Schmetzer's squad choices will be extremely limited, especially in attack.
The Timbers will win the first derby of the season between the clubs. A Valeri goal could be on the cards as the attacking midfielder's form has been good over the Timbers' current win streak.