Major League Soccer's most heated and highly publicized rivalry renews on Sunday, with the Seattle Sounders traveling south to take on the Portland Timbers. Seattle can solidify their spot at the top of the Western Conference and Supporters' Shield race with a victory, while Portland are scrapping just to get into the playoffs.
Portland Timbers vs. Seattle Sounders: Preview and TV schedule
Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Seattle have cooled off a bit after a hot spring and early summer, winning just one of their last five matches. They got the better of Portland during their most recent meeting, however, beating the Timbers 2-0 in Seattle back in early July.
Portland's form has improved considerably since then, and they will jump into a playoff place with a win. They've won three games, drawn one and lost just one -- an understandable away defeat against the LA Galaxy -- since the last Cascadia Cup derby.
Key player - Diego Valeri (Portland Timbers)
It's been an up-and-down season for Diego Valeri, and most of the ups have come when Valeri has been at his best. He hasn't been quite up to his MVP-level form from last season, but he's still had a good season, recording seven goals and eight assists thus far. If he's on his game, Seattle won't be able to do much about him creating chances for his teammates. It'll be up to Seattle midfielder Osvaldo Alonso to make his life difficult.
Key matchup - Portland's CBs vs. Clint Dempsey
Unlike Valeri, who does most of his best work in midfield areas, Dempsey's at his most dangerous a little higher up the pitch. He'll drop deep to find the ball and combine with midfielders, but he's not a pure playmaker. He'll want to find pockets of space in the box and opportunities to be a goal-poacher. Portland's central defenders -- likely Liam Ridgewell and Norberto Paparatto -- can't afford to switch off at any time.
Portland Timbers injuries and suspensions
Out: None reported
Seattle Sounders injuries and suspensions
Out: Damien Lowe (hip), Kevin Parsemain (knee) In doubt: Dylan Remick (adductor)
Both teams are as healthy as anyone can hope to be at this point in the season, and will be able to pick their first choice starting XIs.
Match Date/Time: Sunday, 2 p.m. local, 5 p.m. ET
Venue: Providence Park, Portland, Ore.
TV: ESPN2 (U.S. - English), ESPN Deportes (U.S. - Spanish), BT Sport 1 (U.K.)
Online: Watch ESPN (U.S.), MLS Live (Canada), BT Sport (U.K.)
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