LA Galaxy Portland Timbers match preview: What to watch, predicted starting 11 and TV schedule

The Galaxy may have found their stride in a dominating victory over the Loons. With the international break done and dusted, can LA pull off a repeat performance vs. a reeling Portland Timbers on Sunday? (ESPN2, 6:00 PT)

What to watch

What’s the status of the two injured DPs? Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Romain Alessandrini returned to training this week, but Ibra was hesitant to declare himself 100% fit for Sunday. Fortunately the Schelotto twins have the luxury of resting both should they decide to err on the side of caution. With the team eager for Alessandrini’s hamstring to fully heal, it might be best for the Frenchman to sit this one out.

The final third. Led by the three pronged central midfield of Joe Corona, Sebastian Lletget and the excellent Jonathan dos Santos, the attack clicked for the first time, utilizing possession with purpose and efficient movement to unbalance a much improved Minnesota squad.

It was immensely satisfying to watch at times, and all the more impressive considering Romain and Ibra did not perform.

Struggles in Portland? The Timbers are winless in three matches so far in 2019 as Portland have struggled to implement a more possession oriented attack.

When the Timbers were at their best last season, head coach Giovani Savarese utilized the ultra-defensive Christmas tree formation which shored things up in the back but basically relied on moments of magic from Diego Valeri and Sebastian Blanco. With Portland in need of a result, there’s a decent chance we could see it on Sunday.

Predicted starting 11

How to Watch

Date/Time Sunday, March 31st 6:00 PT
Venue Dignity Health Sports Park
TV ESPN2
Streaming MLS Live