Portland Timbers head coach Phil Neville believes the signings of Kristoffer Velde and Felipe Carballo have sent a statement to the rest of the MLS. 

Velde and Carballo arrived from Olympiacos and Gremio, respectively, earlier this week, with both players bolstering Portland's attacking ranks for the rest of the season. 

The duo are in line to make their debuts for the Timbers this weekend against Eastern Conference high-flyers FC Cincinnati, in what could be a huge game for Neville's side. 

Portland find themselves sixth in the Western Conference, six points clear of Real Salt Lake in 10th after their 2-0 defeat to FC Dallas last time out. 

Neville, however, is confident that his new additions will breathe new life into Portland's playoff push as they aim to solidify their place in the postseason. 

"Good to go," Neville said. "They are fit, they are hungry, they have experience and quality, everything that we scouted. I think I said two or three weeks ago that the ownership had the full backing to back us right until the very end. 

"I think what you have seen this week is two real quality players coming into the building, and I would say we are not finished there. We're in a position with the players we have so far that they have been absolutely incredible. 

"We're in a position to go for it. I think we're in a strong position with our mentality and confidence. We're going to go for it, and that is both on and off the field. As a Portland supporter, these are going to be really exciting times."

Cincinnati also come into the clash at Providence Park off the back of a defeat after going down 1-0 to Charlotte FC, seeing them lose pace with leaders Philadelphia Union. 

Pat Noonan's side remain second in the Eastern Conference, but all the talk surrounding this fixture is the return of Evander to Portland this weekend. 

Evander enjoyed a stellar stint with the Timbers following his move from Midtjylland, scoring 24 goals and registering 19 assists in 56 appearances for the club. 

"(I'm) just trying to be focused on my team," Evander said ahead of his return to Providence Park this weekend.

"I know that I played there for two years, and I know that a lot of things happened throughout these two years, but I gotta represent well for Cincinnati."

That attention is especially vital in the final stretch, Evander said. He noted Cincinnati have been around the summit for most of the season, but must continue to improve. 

"We want to go out there and win the game, especially because our last game wasn't good enough," Evander added.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Portland Timbers – David da Costa

Da Costa was involved in five of Portland's eight shots against FC Dallas on Saturday (two shots, three chances created) but was unable to get himself on the scoresheet.

He has been involved in 88 shots for the Timbers this season (39 shots, 49 chances created), more than any other player on the team.

FC Cincinnati – Evander

All eyes inside Providence Park will be on Cincinnati forward Evander, who will make his return to Portland for the first time since joining the Orange and Blue in the offseason.

The Brazilian registered 30 goal contributions (13 goals, 17 assists) in 29 regular-season games at Providence Park as a member of the Timbers.

MATCH PREDICTION: DRAW

Cincinnati has won both regular-season meetings with Portland, recording home wins in 2019 and 2023, while the Timbers advanced on penalties in the knockout rounds of MLS is Back in 2020.

Noonan's side have, however, failed to score in back-to-back regular-season matches for the first time since their first two matches of the 2022 season. Cincinnati's last run of three straight matches without a goal was between July and August 2021.

Portland, meanwhile, have lost only one of their last 14 home matches in all competitions (W8 D5), including winning their last two at Providence Park. The Timbers kept clean sheets in both of those victories, their first pair of consecutive home shutouts since November 2021.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Portland Timbers – 38.8%

Draw – 26.5%

FC Cincinnati – 34.7%