Charlotte FCvs.Portland

For the away side, securing a first win in eight matches will be the major objective as they look to get their MLS campaign back on track.

Match preview

Portland Timbers came away empty-handed for the first time in four matches as they were beaten 3-2 by Los Angeles FC at the BMO Stadium on Sunday.

After going 2-0 down to Kamal Miller's own goal and a Timothy Tillman strike, Phil Neville's men levelled matters through Jonathan Rodriguez and Santiago Moreno before Denis Bouanga netted the winner in added time.

Consequently, the Timbers have dropped to 11th place in the Western Conference of the MLS table, two points shy of St. Louis City in the race for the final playoff spot.

Awaiting them next is the challenge of facing off against an opposing side featuring in only their third-ever top-flight campaign having debuted in 2022.

Off the back of 11 goals conceded across their last four away outings, Saturday's visitors will need to keep things tight at the back to stand any chance of coming out on top here.

Charlotte FC were on the receiving end of a 2-1 defeat against New York City in Sunday's meeting between the teams at the Yankee Stadium.

Dean Smith's men took the lead in the third minute through Kerwin Vargas but were pegged back by Keaton Parks four minutes shy of half time, after which Alonso Martinez completed the turnaround in second-half stoppage time.

With 11 points picked up from 10 matches so far, the North Carolina outfit sit 11th in the Eastern Conference standings and are in need of a pick-me-up.

Having recently seen their 17-game unbeaten streak on home turf come to an end, Saturday's hosts set out aiming to avoid back to back losses in front of their fans for the first time in almost two years.

Charlotte FC Major League Soccer form:

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Portland Timbers Major League Soccer form:

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Team News

Charlotte's Scott Arfield is still nursing a back injury, while midfielder Benjamin Bender continues to recuperate from a knee problem.

Brandon Cambridge remains without an appearance since October due to an ankle injury, which will rule him out of this weekend's contest as well.

Thirty-eight-year-old Diego Chara received his marching orders in the defeat to Los Angeles and is ineligible to feature for Portland Timbers this weekend.

The away side will also be without the services of Marvin Loria and Evander, who are sidelined through knee and leg injuries respectively.

Charlotte FC possible starting lineup:

Kahlina; Uronen, Privett, Malanda, Byrne; Urso, Petkovic, Westwood; Abada, Copetti, Vargas

Portland Timbers possible starting lineup:

Crepeau; Bravo, Miller, Araujo, Mosquera; Williamson, Ayala; Portillo, Moreno, Antony; Mora

We say: Charlotte FC 2-1 Portland Timbers

Both Charlotte and Portland Timbers have struggled in recent outings and this weekend's clash represents a perfect opportunity for the teams to return to winning ways. We are tipping the home side to come out on top, albeit by only a narrow margin.

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