Preview: Portland Timbers vs. San Jose Earthquakes - prediction, team news, lineups

The visitors are currently second bottom of the Major League Soccer Western Conference, and have failed to secure a victory in their previous two outings.

Match preview

Portland Timbers head into Sunday's match in seventh place after a mixed season to this point, but as of late, they have found a fine run of form.

Giovanni Savarese's men are undefeated in their previous six matches, which has helped them to close the gap on those above them, with a victory this weekend having the potential to see them climb into fifth depending on other results.

The Timbers had to work hard to continue that in their most recent outing though, as it was an 82nd-minute penalty from Felipe Mora that secured a 1-1 draw against Vancouver Whitecaps.

The squad will take confidence from the fact that they have been far stronger at Providence Park than they have away from home, having only lost twice in front of their own fans this season in the MLS.

Offensively Portland Timbers have been one of the most dominant teams, having scored 33 times so far, but the fact they have conceded 30 has been a big problem for them at the same time.

Defensive performances have been a much bigger issue for the visitors though, with no team in the MLS Western Conference having conceded more goals than them this season.

San Jose Earthquakes are currently second-bottom, and another defeat at the weekend does have the potential of sinking them to the foot of the table if other results go against them.

Their most recent league outing saw Alex Covelo's team suffer a 2-1 loss against Houston Dynamo, despite the fact that Jackson Yueill gave his team the lead.

They followed that up with a 1-1 draw in a friendly match against Celta Vigo, which has allowed the squad to stay fresh, and in match shape.

Away from home San Jose Earthquakes have just won a single game this season, and that is something that they will need to change as they move forward.

Portland Timbers Major League Soccer form:

San Jose Earthquakes Major League Soccer form:

Team News

Eryk Williamson will be able to make a return to the Portland Timbers squad this weekend if selected following his suspension for yellow cards.

The Timbers could be missing both Diego Gutierrez and Blake Bodily because of injuries, while Mora is someone that could be used from the first minute this time around after scoring in their most recent outing.

Yueill is someone that should be retaining his place in the San Jose Earthquakes squad, as the midfielder has proved to be a crucial part of the squad this season.

They have typically used a 4-3-3 formation throughout this campaign, and that is something that is more than likely to continue in this particular match.

Portland Timbers possible starting lineup:

Ivacic; Van Rankin, Mabiala, Zuparic, Bravo; Paredes, Chara; Moreno, Blanco, Chara; Mora

San Jose Earthquakes possible starting lineup:

Marcinkowski; Thompson, Nathan, Beason, Marie; Yueill, Remedi, Monterio; Espinoza, Kikanovic, Ebobisse

We say: Portland Timbers 2-0 San Jose Earthquakes

Portland Timbers have been free-scoring this season, and that coupled with their impressive form at home is something that could lead to them being a great threat.

The visitors have been struggling throughout this season, and while they will no doubt put up a fight this could be a job too far.

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