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

Portland Timbers welcome San Jose Earthquakes to Providence Park on Wednesday, with the hosts looking to secure an MLS playoff place.

Meanwhile, San Jose Earthquakes are in 10th position in the Eastern Conference and they can still mathematically qualify for the playoffs, but a place in the top seven looks unlikely with Wednesday's visitors seven points adrift with three games to play.

Match preview

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Portland enter the fixture in fourth position in the Eastern Conference, and a win on Wednesday would make a place in the playoffs even more secure.

However, they will need to reverse their poor run of recent form, with the Timbers losing their last three fixtures, including a defeat away to Colorado Rapids at the weekend.

Against the Rapids, it looked as though the game would be goalless at the interval, but Dominique Badji scored in first-half stoppage time, and Diego Rubio secured victory, scoring in the 62nd minute to condemn Portland Timbers to a 2-0 defeat.

The Timbers will look to tighten up defensively, with Giovanni Savarese's side shipping 51 goals this season, and in their last three fixtures, they have conceded seven goals.

Although, the hosts have been comfortable in the final third this term, scoring 48 goals and 30 of those have come on home turf, which will give them confidence ahead of Wednesday.

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After qualifying for the playoffs last season, it looks unlikely that San Jose Earthquakes will replicate that feat this year.

The Quakes head into the fixture with their playoff hopes hanging by a thread, and a home draw against Vancouver Whitecaps at the weekend did not help their playoff push.

The hosts went behind against the Caps in the 53rd minute through Bruno Gaspar, but Benjamin Kikanovic equalised eight minutes later, with neither side able to find a winner.

Matias Almeyda's side have struggled to keep the opposition at bay in their recent away fixtures, conceding nine goals in their last three away games.

If the Quakes are to emerge victorious then Javier Lopez will be crucial, with the 27-year-old looking to add to the 12 goals he has scored in the MLS this season.

Team News

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Portland Timbers are without Eryk Williamson and Andy Polo, who are both set to miss the rest of the season due to injury issues.

Jeff Attinella and Ismaila Jome are also out for the remainder of the campaign due to injuries, while Claudio Bravo is still unavailable due to a thigh problem.

Cristhian Paredes will return from suspension and is likely to come into the starting lineup, which could mean that Renzo Zambrano drops down to the bench.

Matt Bersano is the only injury issue for the visitors, with the goalkeeper out with a hand injury.

Marcos Lopez will return from suspension, and the left-back will come into the starting lineup to replace Paul Marie, who will have to settle for a place on the bench.

The Quakes will also have Nathan back from suspension and he will come into the centre of defence to partner Tanner Beason.

Portland Timbers possible starting lineup:
Clark; Van Rankin, Mabiala, Zuparic, Bonilla; Paredes, D Chara, Blanco; Asprilla, Y Chara, Mora

San Jose Earthquakes possible starting lineup:
Marcinkowski; Thompson, Nathan, Beason, Lopez; Remedi, Yueill, Rios; Lopez, Kikanovic, Ebobisse

We say: Portland Timbers 2-1 San Jose Earthquakes

The Timbers usually perform well at home against the Quakes, and with the visitors aware that they have to win to stand any chance of reaching the playoffs, there may be space in behind for the hosts to exploit as the Quakes throw caution to the wind, and we think the home side will take advantage to emerge victorious.