The Timbers and the Dynamo are in similar slumps. Portland has yet to win on the year and Houston hasn’t earned a full three points for five weeks. Each club will be looking to move up the ranks Sunday at BBVA Stadium in Houston.
Portland looked solid against Real Salt Lake in Sandy, Utah last week. Nick Rimando came up huge to block away dangerous strikes from both Darlington Nagbe and Gaston Fernandez. While the team lost, the Timbers kept their composure and played well throughout. If the Timbers can carry this performance over to the shaky defense of Houston, they’ll be in a good spot.
I’m not anticipating any lineup changes from last week. Jack Jewsbury looked good in the starting lineup and I doubt that Norberto Paparatto has won back his starting position yet. The only question is whether or not Steve Zakuani is healthy enough to sub on late. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him make the 18, but don’t expect him to get much time. More than 20 minutes would surprise me greatly.
The Dynamo started this season with two quick wins, but have earned just a single point over the last four weeks. Houston’s defense gave up twelve goals over this period while scoring just two. A record that should make Portland fans lick their lips.
Speaking of Houston’s defense, their center backs’ lack of speed and Horst’s tendency to get handsy in the box play right into the Timber’s style. Diego Valeri, Darlington Nagbe, Kalif Alhassan, and Will Johnson should all be looking to exploit this with combination play and trailing runs.
Brad Davis and Ricardo Clark are questionable to make the eighteen. Losing both of these players guts the Dynamo midfield, but either sitting out is a huge advantage for Portland.
Player To Watch: Darlington Nagbe. He has yet to score, but nearly opened his account against RSL last week. I’m expecting a monster game out of Nagbe. It’s about time to score and his footwork can beat the Dynamo defense.
Starting Lineups:
Portland Timbers: Donovan Ricketts; Michael Harrington, Pa Modou Kah, Futty Danso, Jack Jewsbury; Diego Chara, Will Johnson; Darlington Nagbe, Diego Valeri, Kalif Alhassan; Maximiliano Urruti
Houston Dynamo: Tally Hall; Corey Ashe, Jermaine Taylor, David Horst, Kofi Sarkodie; Brad Davis, Warren Creavalle, Boniek Garcia, Tony Cascio; Giles Barnes, Will Bruin
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