Lineup Notes

• Guillermo Barros Schelotto will trot out his strongest starting lineup of the season this Sunday, as Zlatan Ibrahimović and Romain Alessandrini return to the starting lineup after both were sidelined follow the Galaxy’s 2019 Home Opener on March 2.
• Goalkeeper David Bingham returns in net – he’s started every MLS match for the Galaxy since his signing in January 2018. The last time Bingham faced Portland (June 2, 2018 at Providence Park), Bingham recorded a career high nine saves.
• Venezuelan international Rolf Feltscher will man the right side of a backline that, as a unit, makes its fourth consecutive start. The routine right back starter made 15 appearances last year, missing out on half the season due to a right shoulder injury that caused him to miss four months. In his last match, Feltscher supplied the final assist on the Galaxy’s remarkable 25-pass sequence that led to a Chris Pontius goal in the first half of team’s 3-2 victory over Minnesota United on March 16.
• In the center is Daniel Steres, who has made 75 appearances during his time with the club since being signed after standout seasons with LA Galaxy II. Steres was one of LA Galaxy II’s first signings when the club was founded in 2014. Steres scored the Galaxy’s first goal of the season in the Home Opener on March 2.
• Alongside Steres is Uruguayan ranch owner and horse-lovingDiego Polenta, the Uruguayan International who was a standout during his time as a pro in his native country. One of the fiercest players on the Galaxy’s roster, his tenacity on the field is often unmatched.
• Out wide is Jorgen Skjelvik, who is on the left flank for his fourth-straight match to start the season. Left back is Skjelvik’s natural position, although he played the entirety of last year in central defense.
• In the center of the midfield is Mexican international Jonathan dos Santos, one of the most talented central midfielders in MLS. Dos Santos returns to Los Angeles from a very memorable international break, where he impressed new boss Gerardo Martino by scoring his first goal for Mexico and assisting on another in a 4-2 over Paraguay at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif. He was named Man of the Match for his performance. He did not appear in Mexico’s match against Chile on Friday, March 22. In his last match with LA Galaxy, Dos Santos successfully converted the first attempted penalty kick in his Galaxy career in the team’s 3-2 win over Minnesota United FC, in the absence of Zlatan Ibrahimović. Sunday’s match will mark Dos Santos’ fourth straight start. Dos Santos often dictates the tempo of the game for the Galaxy.
• Making his third straight start of 2019 is midfielder Sebastian Lletget, who returns from an international break spent with the U.S. Men’s National Team. Lletget made two substitute appearances with the USMNT, playing 28 minutes in the 1-0 win over Ecuador, and 56 minutes in the team’s 1-1 draw with Chile. In his last game for the Galaxy, Lletget scored the game-winning goal against Minnesota.
• Added in the midfield mix will be Joe Corona, the 28-year-old U.S. Men’s National team veteran who was signed to the Galaxy through the use of Target Allocation Money on March 6. He’s provided a reliable stability to the midfield since his signed, starting both games since putting pen to paper.
• On the left will be the young Mexican international Uriel Antuna. Antuna returns to the lineup after a breakout game for the Galaxy, in which he secured the game-winning assist on Sebastian Lletget’s volleyed goal.
• On the right, Romain Alessandrini returns. The strikingly handsome Frenchman returns to the pitch for the first time since March 2, when he was forced to exit the pitch after a non-contact hamstring injury just 20 minutes in. Since his signing ahead of the 2017 season, Alessandrini has tallied an impressive 24 goals and 21 assists in 54 starts.
• Captain Zlatan Ibrahimović also returns from injury. The Swede sustained an aggravated left achilles in the team’s Home Opener, despite scoring the game-winning goal in the 80^th minute of that match. The Lion recorded a league-leading 1.34 goals and assists per 90 minutes in his debut MLS season. Sunday, March 31 will mark the one-year anniversary of his unforgettable MLS debut vs. LAFC.

Game Notes

• The Galaxy are 2-0-0 at home this season, scoring five goals while allowing three.
• LA are 8-6-6 all-time against Portland Timbers.
  • Last season at Dignity Health Sports Park (March 4, 2018): LA defeated Portland 2-1 in the home opener with goals from Ola Kamara and Romain Alessandrini.
  • Last season at Providence Park (June 2, 2018): Chris Pontius scored and David Bingham made a career-high nine saves in a 1-1 draw at Providence Park last June.

Storylines

• How will the Galaxy’s full strength lineup fare on Sunday?
• How will Zlatan Ibrahimović and Romain Alessandrini look in their returns?
• March 31 marks the one-year anniversary of Zlatan Ibrahimović’s memorable MLS debut.
• Jonathan dos Santos returns to the Galaxy after scoring his first goal for the Mexican National Team.
• Can Uriel Antuna continue to impress on the heels of a breakout performance?
• Can the midfield trio of Joe Corona, JDS and Lletget dictate the tempo of the match?

Quick Hits

• Match Preview pres. by Welch's Fruit Snacks
• Inside the 48 hours prior to Zlatan Ibrahimovic's debut
• Zlatan looks back on his first year with the LA Galaxy