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Lineups:
The Galaxy’s XI looks pretty similar, although Nick DePuy starts alongside Derrick Williams this time:
You want a battle? (Here's the #LAGalaxy)#LAvPOR x @ModeloUSA
— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) July 31, 2021
Portland will roll with this group:
Tonight’s starting XI against LA Galaxy. #RCTID pic.twitter.com/QfqLyVN5GR
— Portland Timbers (@TimbersFC) July 31, 2021
The LA Galaxy have had almost a week to lick their wounds from their worst loss of the season, and now it’s time to turn over a new leaf, when they host the Portland Timbers on Friday night at Dignity Health Sports Park.
LA got spanked 4-0 last week at FC Dallas, with youngster Ricardo Pepi scoring a pretty easy hat trick to power the result. To be fair, Dallas are undefeated at home this year, but it does seem like the Galaxy’s depth has hit a wall, hard. Missing so many key players for more than a couple games, it looks to have caught up to them. Problem is, they have another game before the reinforcements come back in earnest.
The Timbers narrowly lost, 2-1 to Minnesota United last weekend. They have truly been all over the place this season in terms of consistency, but they’ve also dealt with a fair few injuries and getting good contributions lately out of stalwarts Diego Valeri and Sebastian Blanco means they may make a push up the standings yet.
Jonathan dos Santos, Efrain Alvarez and Sebastian Lletget remain on international duty, while Chicharito remains out on the injury report. For Portland, Jeff Attinella, Ish Jome, Jaroslaw Niezgoda, and Andy Polo are all out on the injury report for this game.
Last time out between these sides, they played a horribly boring first half in Portland, broken up by Derrick Williams’ horror tackle, and 10-man LA could not stop the flood of goals in the 2nd half. This time, can the Galaxy even things up and grab a win? Should be a good test for a wobbling side.
Odds:
According to our friends at DraftKings Sportsbook, as of Friday afternoon, LA are (+105), Portland are (+230) and a draw is at (+295). So the Galaxy are narrow favorites on the road, but the bookies aren’t feeling too sure about this one coming in.
How to Watch:
Friday’s match between LA and the Timbers will be televised nationally on ESPN and ESPN Deportes, which you can watch on Fubo TV. The TV broadcast is scheduled to start at 7 pm PT with kickoff to follow at 7:18 pm.