Desperate times are starting to call for desperate measures for the Seattle Sounders. They haven't really had any seasons without at least some degree of success, but now, they are only just hanging onto a playoff spot in the Western Conference because they have played more games than the San Jose Earthquakes.
The Sounders have another shot to get back in the win column on Sunday in what is shaping up to be a massive derby against the Portland Timbers.
ODDS ANALYSIS
There are no odds posted for this match as of Tuesday afternoon, but it is clear that Seattle is going to be favored in this game based on reputation. Yes, the Sounders have had a history of playing really well here at home, but of late, there have been far too many lapses, and that's why the team is essentially on the wrong side of the playoff picture with just eight fixtures to go.
Remember that Portland is actually almost as close to first place in the Western Conference as it is out of the playoffs, which is a testament to the Timbers in what might be the best season they have ever had.
KEY INJURIES
The Timbers have stayed in fine form due to the fact that they have stayed relatively healthy every step of the way this season. Ben Zemanski is out with a torn ACL, but even he might find his way back into the fold by the end of the regular season.
Seattle played its last match without Clint Dempsey, Leonardo Gonzalez and Osvaldo Alonso, and they are all extremely questionable for this match. Meanwhile, Andres Correa, Andy Craven, Damion Lowe and Chad Barrett are all long-term absentees, which is really killing the Sounders.
QUOTE TO NOTE
"At this point, it is do or die. With the quality we have in our locker room, we have to really start getting on a run and get in the playoffs first and foremost, obviously. But also to get on a run to make sure once we are in the playoffs, we can keep on going and use that momentum to get us far." – Sounders goalie Stefan Frei on the desperation which Seattle must show to get into the playoffs
RECENT FORM
It really felt like Seattle was going to turn a corner when it slammed Orlando City in its last match here at CenturyLink Field 5-0. That said, a winnable match against Real Salt Lake six days later turned into a disaster with a 2-0 loss.
That loss also snapped a string of three straight over matches for the Sounders.
The Timbers ended on level terms against Houston last Friday, and they now have a long week of preparation for this match sans interruption. Portland now has at least one point in four straight matches to get comfortably into the postseason for the time being.
Portland has had the opposite total problem of the Sounders. The men in green had played three consecutive unders since before the 2-2 draw against the Dynamo.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
The Timbers may have never won here at CenturyLink Field, but this might be their lucky day. Seattle's form just isn't good right now, particularly with all of the injuries the club has had to go through.
Perhaps if Dempsey and Obafemi Martins can get onto the pitch at the same time, the Sounders can put together an offensive show like they put on against Orlando City.
More than likely though, the Timbers, who have been playing awfully well defensively, are going to end up frustrating the heck out of Sounders. Don't be stunned if Portland comes on the road and generates an upset that could really signal massive danger in Seattle.
Portland 1, Seattle 0
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Load your betting bankroll from your smartphone or tablet with BookMaker’s new cashier feature! Depositing and withdrawing funds from your account has never been easier. BookMaker's live betting platform means you always have access to odds and lines to every sporting event. Click here and start wagering today! The fixture between the Seattle Sounders and the Portland Timbers will take place on Sunday, August 30, 2015, at 4:30 p.m. at CenturyLink Field. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN.
