**Portland's drought vs. Charlotte's momentum — can the Timbers arrest their form slide at home?** 🔥 This is a desperation spot for Portland, winless in five, while Charlotte arrives riding two wins and hunting playoff positioning.

Portland's defense is battered with five bodies out, including key center-back depth. Charlotte, meanwhile, has quietly built threat going forward — **A. Saint-Maximin** and **L. Abada** could feast on gaps. Portland leans on **V. Janssen** and **A. Lassiter** up top but hasn't found the net much lately.

Key storylines:

- **Portland's injury crisis** in defense (Bonetig, Bye, Surman, Sulte, Mosquera all out) leaves J. Waterman and K. Miller holding a fragile line
- **Charlotte's attacking depth** with Saint-Maximin and Abada in form, plus I. Toklomati leading the press
- **Home-field urgency** — Portland desperate to snap their winless run at Providence Park

Expected lineups:

- **Portland Timbers**: J. Pantemis, J. Fory, K. Miller, J. Waterman, D. Da Costa, D. Chará, C. Bassett, K. Velde, V. Janssen, A. Lassiter
- **Charlotte FC**: K. Kahlina, D. Schnegg, H. Kessler, T. Ream, N. Byrne, A. Westwood, D. Diani, A. Saint-Maximin, L. Abada, I. Toklomati

Prediction:

**Portland 1–2 Charlotte** 🏀 Charlotte's edge in attacking thrust, combined with Portland's paper-thin backline, gives the visitors a slight edge on the road.