GameThread 30: D.C. United Vs. Portland Timbers

This isn't necessarily one of those "Sweep The Leg" type matches for D.C. United. But it isn't exactly a "just get a point on the road" match either. The Portland Timbers are never an easy out at JELD-WEN Field, so perhaps this match is somewhere in the middle.

United is riding a three-game winning streak into this match, and with a five-point advantage over the Columbus Crew, tonight's isn't a must-win match by any stretch. But winning sure would be nice. With a visit to another bottom dweller in Toronto FC next weekend, let's set the goal at four points from this current road trip.

Game time: 10:30 PM

TV: Comcast SportsNet

Projected starting lineup: Facing a worthy opponent on a field that is basically as wide as Bill Hamid's wingspan, look for Ben Olsen to go conservative again with his lineup choices in a 4-5-1 formation. Lionard Pajoy will be alone up top, with Maicon Santos relegated to the role of Game-Changing Substitute that he's played so well before. Branko Boskovic will be at the top of the triangle in central midfield with Perry Kitchen and Marcelo Saragosa behind him while Chris Pontius and Nick DeLeon will occupy the wings. The defense will remain unchanged with Chris Korb, Dejan Jakovic, Brandon McDonald, and Andy Najar playing from left to right. Hamid will be in goal.

Prediction: I'm predicting the same score as United's last visit to Portland, but this time with the home team coming out on top 3-2.

What are you drinking? To be determined. What do you recommend?

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