The MLS returns to the fold with another set of matches this weekend as Inter Miami take on Portland Timbers on Sunday. The two teams have experienced differing fortunes this year and will need to step up this weekend.Portland Timbers are in fourth place in the MLS Western Conference standings and have been impressive this year. The Timbers edged Los Angeles FC by a 2-1 margin in their previous game and will want a similar result from this match.Inter Miami, on the other hand, are in 10th place in the Eastern Conference league table and have endured a dismal season. The away side suffered a 1-0 defeat against Atlanta United earlier this week and will need to bounce back in this game.Inter Miami CF@InterMiamiCFTouchdown in Portland 📍#InterMiamiCF4:51 AM · Oct 1, 2021823Touchdown in Portland 📍#InterMiamiCF https://t.co/jwo7Tx1CRiPortland Timbers vs Inter Miami Head-to-HeadInter Miami have never played a game against Portland Timbers and will need to adapt to their opponents this weekend. The away side has plenty of experience at its disposal and will need to prove its mettle in this game.Portland Timbers are legitimate title contenders this season but will need to be more consistent in the coming months. The Timbers are on a three-match winning streak and will be confident ahead of this match.Portland Timbers form guide in MLS 2021: W-W-W-D-WInter Miami form guide in MLS 2021: L-L-L-W-WPortland Timbers vs Inter Miami Team NewsPortland Timbers have a depleted squadPortland TimbersPortland Timbers will have to address the absence of a few key players going into this game as Jeff Attinella, Andy Polo, and Eryk Williamson remain sidelined with injuries. Diego Valeri picked up his fifth yellow card of the season this week and is suspended for this match.Injured: Jeff Attinella, Andy Polo, Eryk WilliamsonDoubtful: NoneSuspended: Diego ValeriInter Miami need to win this gameInter MiamiRyan Shawcross, Victor Ulloa, and Joevin Jones are injured at the moment and have been ruled out of the game against Portland Timbers this weekend. Gregore served his suspension against Atlanta United and is available for selection.Injured: Ryan Shawcross, Victor Ulloa, Joevin JonesDoubtful: NoneSuspended: NonePortland Timbers vs Inter Miami Predicted XIPortland Timbers Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Steve Clark; Claudio Bravo, Dario Zuparic, Larrys Mabiala, Jose Van Rankin; Cristhian Paredes, Diego Chara; Yimmi Chara, Dairon Asprilla, Sebastian Blanco; Felipe MoraPortland Timbers@TimbersFCRest well, Rose City.Sunday will be here before you know it. #RCTID12:30 PM · Sep 30, 202118312Rest well, Rose City.Sunday will be here before you know it. #RCTID https://t.co/uL3oeEMgMrInter Miami Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Nick Marsman; Brek Shea, Leandro Pirez, Nicolas Figal, Kelvin Leerdam; Gregore, Blaise Matuidi; Rodolfo Pizarro, Robbie Robinson, Lewis Morgan; Gonzalo HiguainPortland Timbers vs Inter Miami PredictionInter Miami have endured a shocking slump over the past month and have conceded 10 goals in their last three games. The likes of Gonzalo Higuain and Blaise Matuidi can make an impact on their day and will have to bring their experience to the fore this weekend.Portland Timbers are on a seven-match unbeaten streak and have scored 12 goals in their last four matches. The Timbers are the better team at the moment and should be able to win this game.Prediction: Portland Timbers 3-1 Inter Miami