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MLS: Every team’s best starting XI for 2019

By Joshua Bowers

ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 08: Atlanta United players celebrate with the Philip F. Anschutz Trophy after winning the MLS Cup against the Portland Timbers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. Atlanta won 2-0. (Photo by Austin McAfee/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 08: Atlanta United players celebrate with the Philip F. Anschutz Trophy after winning the MLS Cup against the Portland Timbers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. Atlanta won 2-0. (Photo by Austin McAfee/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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PORTLAND, OR – NOVEMBER 25: Diego Valeri #8 of Portland Timbers reacts to a call during the first half of the match against the Sporting Kansas City at Providence Park on November 25, 2018 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR – NOVEMBER 25: Diego Valeri #8 of Portland Timbers reacts to a call during the first half of the match against the Sporting Kansas City at Providence Park on November 25, 2018 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /

Portland Timbers

4-2-3-1

GK Jeff Attinella

RB Jorge Moreira

CB Larrys Mabiala

CB Claude Dielna

LB Jorge Villafana

CDM Diego Chara

CDM David Guzman

RM Andy Polo

CAM Diego Valeri

LM Sebastian Blanco

ST Jeremy Ebobisse

This is largely the same line-up as last year. Savarese toyed with a  4-3-2-1, but it should be a 4-2-3-1, especially if Portland had another Designated Player attacker. Personally, I would rather keep Ebobisse in the lineup than Polo, if they were to add another star, but I can see the appeal of bringing in a potential 15-20 goalscorer.

Claude Dielna and Jorge Moreira are potential upgrades at the defensive end. It is exciting to have Moreira in MLS, coming from River Plate. Big-name — and big-money — full-backs are rarely brought into MLS.

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