This Sunday, the 2024 NWSL season is bringing together the last two league champions. Gotham FC faces Portland Thorns on the road at Providence Park. Having played in the NWSL Challenge Cup before the season started, The Bats opens their campaign later than others. Meanwhile, Portland opened against the KC Current last week, but this will be their first home game. Speaking of home games, PT boasts an impressive record of beating Gotham six times in 10 games. Anyhow, Crystal Dunn and Co. will be ready, as they arrive with a fresher pair of legs.

The last 5 matches between Portland and Gotham have swung like a pendulum. The Thorns have won twice. So did their NJ/NY-based rivals. And one game ended in a draw. Now comes a sixth game that could break the tie.

Portland Thorns vs Gotham FC: Injuries and Expected Lineup

Portland Thorns: Injuries

The Portland Thorns have their veteran center-back Gabby Provenzano on their season-ending injury list. Besides, their goalkeeper, Bella Bixby, is on maternity leave.

Portland Thorns: Expected Starting XI

(4-3-3): Shelby Hogan; Marie Muller, Isabella Obaze, Meghan Klingenberg, Nicole Payne; Jessie Fleming, Olivia Moultrie, Samantha Coffey; Morgan Weaver, Sophia Smith, Christine Sinclair

Gotham FC: Injuries

Gotham FC’s Kristen Edmonds, Sinead Farrelly, Lynn Williams, and Rose Lavelle will miss tomorrow’s clash because of leg injuries. Meanwhile, Abby Smith, Taylor Smith, and McCall Zerboni all come under Gotham’s season-ending injury list. Svava Gudmunsdottir is excused for an absence from the Portland tie.

Gotham FC: Expected Starting XI

(4-3-3): Cassie Miller; Bruninha, Crystal Dunn, Tierna Davidson, Kelly O’Hara; Yazmeen Ryan, Nealy Martin, Delanie Sheehan; Midge Purce, Katie Stengel, Esther Gonzalez

Portland Thorns vs Gotham FC: Head-to-head

The two teams have faced each other 22 times. The Thorns have won 11 times. Gotham has won only 5. 6 games ended in a draw. They last played each other on November 06, 2023, and Gotham FC won 0-1 in the away game.

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Portland Thorns vs Gotham FC: Prediction

The Thorns showcased a sloppy defense against the KC Current. Even so, they netted four goals, thanks to Sophia Smith’s heroics. Besides, the Thorns have ranked #1 last year on the number of goals per match, averaging 4 goals! Meanwhile, Gotham has only scored 7 goals in the last 5 games. Furthermore, the NJ/NY side is missing the services of heavyweights like Lynn Williams and Rose Lavelle. Hence, we predict Portland to win 2-0.

How to watch the Portland-Gotham tie?

The Portland-Gotham game kicks off at 4 PM PT/7 PM ET on Sunday. Fans can live-stream the Portland-Gotham clash on ESPN2, ESPN+, and ESPN Deportes.

Share your predictions for the game in the comments below.

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