Portland Timbers vs. Chivas USA: 10 Bold Predictions

May 28, 2014; Carson, CA, USA; Portland Timbers forward Gaston Fernandez (10), Portland Timbers forward Frederic Piquionne (9), Chivas USA midfielder Agustin Pelletieri (8) and Chivas USA defender Bobby Burling (2) go for the ball in the first half of the game at StubHub Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Caleb Porter’s Portland Timbers are on a coldstreak all of a sudden. But then again, so are Wilmer Cabrera’s Chivas USA. And on the heels of what should be an electrifying MLS All-Star Game (or one-sided Bayern Munich rout, dependent on whether you are declaring your Eurosnob status on here on the MLS Multiplex) at Providence Park in Portland, Ore., something’s gotta give on Aug. 9. Both the Timbers and Chivas USA are off the pace set by the teams atop the MLS Western Conference.

Portland are currently seventh in the West with a record of 6-7-9 (27 points) while Chivas USA are at the bottom of the conference with a record of 6-10-5 (23 points). You’d be hard-pressed to find anyone that says this isn’t a must win for either ball club. It’s that big of a deal. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. PT/10:30 p.m. ET and will be televised by MLS LIVE.

Here are 10 Bold Predictions for Saturday night’s contest between the Portland Timbers and Chivas USA.

1. Under 45 fouls and four cards

The football will be fast and fluid, and the fouls will be kept to a minimum if possible. Still, the physicality will be there as both teams are going to be in a scrap to catch up to the West’s best sides. The MLS Multiplex is boldly predicting for under 45 fouls whistles and four cards issued.

2. Dan Kennedy with under four saves

This is going to be a tough go-around for Chivas USA goalkeeper Dan Kennedy, who has 53 saves this season for his team. He’ll be giving up goals left and right to the Timbers. Watch for Kennedy to make under four saves in this contest.

3. At least four saves from Donovan Ricketts

Meanwhile, the Big Car from Montego Bay, Donovan Ricketts, is going to have a solid night between the pipes on Saturday. With 74 saves to his credit, Ricketts will have another solid performance, with at least four stops on Chivas.

4. Diego Valeri will score

Unlike their performance against the Los Angeles Galaxy, the Portland Timbers are going to run riot on Chivas USA. One of those players is Diego Valeri, who has six goals to his credit. Valeri will score on a set piece in the first half.

5. Maxi Urruti, white courtesy phone…

This season, Maximiliano Urruti has eight goals to his credit, and for the Timbers to dominate, Urruti needs to find the back of the next. The MLS Multiplex says he’ll get it done in the second half.