Two of the MLS' best three Western Conference rivals will hope to continue their strong starts to the season on Saturday night as the Timbers play host to Dynamo. For Portland Timbers, their early form is no surprise, with soccer pundits around the Major League citing their dreadful front six - noticeably beefed-up with the off-season additions of David Guzman and Sebastian Blanco as the main reason the 2015 champions will bounce-back after missing the playoffs last season. While Houston Dynamo's excellent start to the season has come as-more-of a surprise, with the Houston hiring Wilmer Cabrera and remarkably overhauling their squad after missing out of the last three playoffs.
However, after victories against two-of-the-four most recent Major League Soccer Cup finalists to begin their 2017 campaign, the Houston Dynamo are now dreaming big heading into the Providence Park.
Portland Timbers
After a convincing win against Minnesota United in their opener, the Timbers took a hard-earned inter-conference victory over LA Galaxy last weekend to cement their status as one of 2017 early-success-stories and possible contenders in the Western Conference. Despite the good feelings, questions abound to-the-composition of the Portland Timbers' backline, which has had its early depth-test thanks to both injuries of Vytas and Liam Ridgewell.
The English star Ridgewell is confirmed to miss-the-bout against Dynamo, as Timbers' manager Caleb Porter quoted Timber's April 2 match against New England Revolution as a more likely return date for Ridgewell.
However, Caleb Porter has no much problems upfront, which means the likes of Fernando Adi, Diego Valeri, Sebastian Blanco and Darlington Niagbe will get another chance to work out their attacking might.
Houston Dynamo
The re-branded Houston Dynamo are soaring high, in large part thanks to the display of their terrible attacking trio of Romell Quioto, Erick “Cubo” Torres and Albert Elis.
Both Quito and Elis have made immediate impacts on the field and score-sheet after joining the club in the MLS off-season, While Erick Torres has turned his spectacular form into-a-pair of goals to begin the MLS regular-season, - after a goal drought last season.
Houston Dynamo have no major injury worries, meaning they will be able to feature the same lineup they have fielded in their last two games.
Beyond the attacking three, the Houston have counted-on consistency and stability in both the back-line and midfield that comprises three new off-season signings. Nevertheless, they will want to stay clear of the type of late lapses that drew Wilmer Cabrera's ire following their last weekend win over Columbus Crew SC.