FC Dallas returns home for the first game of a busy month in September as they host the Portland Timbers.

So far this season FC Dallas has gotten the better end of things against the defending MLS Cup champions with two straight wins in league play over them.

Both teams are coming off a win in a rivalry game last week as FCD downed Houston 3-1 and the Timbers ran all over Seattle 4-2.

FC Dallas notes:

Injury update. The only injury is still with Zach Loyd. Really nothing new on that front unfortunately.

Barrios’ scoring. According to the clubs’ game notes, Michael Barrios, netted two goals on two shots in the win over Houston. The strikes raised the Colombian’s shooting percentage numbers to… 21%. The percentage ranks second all‐time for FCD behind Jeff Cunningham (21.6%). There has been no sophomore slump for Barrios, who now has career highs in goals (8), starts (24), minutes (1,910) and shots on goal (20).

Passing numbers from Opta. According to the Opta stats, FC Dallas had an 88% pass completion rate in its 2‐0 win against Vancouver on Sunday, July 31. The 88% completion rate is a new season‐best topping 86% in July 4 win over Orlando.

Key player for FCD: Mauro Diaz. Given all the absences in the midfield for this one, Diaz will have to be the guy that keeps things flowing in the middle. He will have to deal with Diego Chara, who always gets a couple rough fouls in. But as long as he is able to spread the ball wide to Barrios or find Maxi Urruti in space, FCD should have enough to get points in this one.

Biggest question: What will the midfield look like?

Losing Carlos Gruezo and Kellyn Acosta for this one is pretty tough but so is losing guys like Aubrey David and Maynor Figueroa as that changes up what Oscar Pareja can do in his defense. This could be a game that we see more of a 4-4-2 with Victor Ulloa and Juan Esteban Ortiz locking down the middle of the park.

Portland Notes:

Injury update. OUT: Nat Borchers (achilles) QUESTIONABLE: Gbenga Arokoyo (groin)

International call ups. Jermaine Taylor (Jamaica), Alvas Powell (Jamaica) and Darlington Nagbe (United States)

Key player for Portland: Diego Valeri. You shut him down in the midfield and you stand a pretty good chance to walk away with some points.

How to watch

Match date/time: Saturday, 9/3, 8:00PM

Venue: Toyota Stadium, Frisco, TX

TV: TXA-21

Online: MLS Live

Weather Forecast: Sunny, 80 degrees

Look out for our game thread, which will go up an hour before kick off.