The 2021 MLS knockouts arranged perfectly for the fourth-seeded Portland Timbers. They are set to host the Western Conference final at home to Providence Park and a win – against the lowest seed left in the Western Conference, no less – will help them host the MLS Cup final for the first time in history. club.
But Real Salt Lake’s seventh seed, which only resulted in a stoppage-time goal in the regular-season final, entered the game on the Cinderella run. It went on the road twice and shocked two MLS Cup hopes in the Seattle Sounders and Sporting Kansas City. After failing to register a single shot against Seattle, RSL overcame Sporting for a well-deserved win and secured a game against Portland.
The Timbers had won all three previous meetings in the regular season, but the RSL played them harder than the results suggested. And the away team could benefit from the fact that Portland could be without two of its most influential players. Sebastian Blanco could suffer a hamstring injury, while Dairon Asprilla is suspended.
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Meanwhile, talented midfielder Albert Rusnak is available for RSL, and he has the ability to decide the game with a moment of brilliance. RSL, which will be without fixed midfielder Everton Luiz, will need any advantage it can get as it is a clearly weak team. It’s only won two of its 14 all-time trips to Portland, but Clarent-and-Cobalt has also won the only three post-season wins in history.
Both teams are looking for their second MLS Cup title. Portland is looking to advance to the third MLS Cup final (2015, 2018), as is the RSL (2009, 2013).
How to watch Portland vs Real Salt Lake
- Day: Saturday, December 4
- Time: 6:30 p.m. ET
- Channel: FS1
- Spanish TV: Fox Deportes
- Streaming online: fuboTV
The MLS Western Conference Finals between Portland Timbers and Real Salt Lake will air on FS1 (English) and Fox Deportes (Spanish) with both channels available for live stream on fuboTV. New users can try fuboTV 7 days free trial.
Portland vs. RSL
Marvin Loria could be a replacement for the wing-suspended Asprilla, and if Blanco has not recovered from a hamstring injury in the last game, Santiago Moreno or Diego Valeri could fill in. Goalkeepers Jeff Attinella (quad surgery) and midfielders Eryk Williamson (ACL) and Andy Polo (knee surgery) are absent due to long-term injuries.
The Timbers’ expected starting lineup (4-2-3-1, right to left): 12-Steve Clark-GK – 2-Josecarlos Van Rankin, 33-Larrys Mabiala, 13-Dario Zuparic, 5-Claudio Bravo – 21-Diego Chara (captain), 22-Cristhian Paredes – 23-Yimmi Chara, 10-Sebastian Blanco, 44-Marvin Loria – 9-Felipe Mora
Sub-projected wood (9): 31-Aljaz Ivacic, 26-Hunter Sulte-GK, 25-Bill Tuiloma, 28-Pablo Bonilla, 20-George Fochive, 40-Renzo Zambrano, 30-Santiago Moreno, 8-Diego Valeri, 11-Jaroslaw Niezgoda
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Real Salt Lake has a pretty healthy lineup to advance to the Western Conference finals, though it’s unclear if Rusnak will be ready to start after a COVID-19 game. Luiz (cumulative yellow card) is a huge loss in midfield.
Expected starting lineup RSL (4-2-3-1, right to left): 1-David Ochoa-GK – 22-Aaron Herrera, 15-Justen Glad, 30-Marcelo Silva, 2-Andrew Brody – 13-Nick Besler, 6-Pablo Ruiz – 10-Jonathan Menendez, 8-Damir Kreilach, 16-Maikel Chang – 14-Rubio Rubin
Expected child RSL (9): 18-Zac MacMath-GK, 51-Andrew Putna-GK, 3-Ashtone Morgan, 20-Erik Holt, 4-Donny Toia, 9-Justin Meram, 11-Albert Rusnak, 29-Anderson Julio, 7-Bobby Wood
Portland vs. RSL: Odds & Predictions
(Strategies provided by DraftKings)
Portland coach Giovanni Savarese has excelled in tournaments throughout his career, and it’s hard to see his team slip away at this MLS Cup hosting opportunity.
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As tough as any team has to beat another four times in the same season, Savarese will leave the Timbers ready to capitalize on opportunities during the transition, and if they can get the lead, they’ll be ready to manage matches.
Pick: Timbers win in 90 minutes (-140)
Guess: Portland 2, RSL 1
- Moneyline (90 minutes): Portland -140 / Draw +300 / RSL +380
- To advance: Portland -270 / RSL +210
- Transmitted: Portland -0.5 (-135) / RSL +0.5 (+120)
- Total goals is O/U 2.5: Above -135 / Below +110
- Both teams scored: Yes -145 / No +115
