MLS Cup Finals 

The final match of a nine month journey takes place in the magnificent Mercedes Benz stadium on Saturday night, the perfect setting for what has been a magical season for both teams involved.

The U.S. based league continues to grow in popularity after years of second class performances. The MLS is now producing some of the best talent in the world, while offering aging stars an opportunity to continue their craft, and bring overall exposure to their latest club.

Atlanta United FC vs Portland Timbers
Mercedes Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
12-08-2018- 8:00 pm ET - FOX Sports

After a whirlwind 2018 campaign, the top two teams in each division have taken their rightful spots in this MLS finale. The time has finally arrived to crown a new king of Major League Soccer. 

Atlanta United FC have been the blueprint for expansion clubs in the league. After many of their predecessors failed to have the same type of success the "Five Stripes" have experienced, the second year club have shown how to progress as a newly formed side and build a winning brand that is certain to expand as the years roll on.

Gerardo Martino was the main architect for the clubs rapid growth and now his vision of lifting MLS silverware is only 90 minutes away. The Argentine head-man will pace the sidelines with a heavy heart. After agreeing to take over the managerial responsibilities with the Mexican National team, he is leaving his successful project behind for another calling after leaving a huge impact on MLS, where he is revered by many as the top manager in this surging league.

Martino has used his South American influence to recruit some of the countries top talent, bringing in players who otherwise would have elected to play in Europe. His overall presence within the club cannot be overstated, making him an instant legend over his brief spell with the new franchise.

The Five Stripes play one of the more attractive brands of football on the Western Hemisphere. Led by the league's top goal scorer in Josef Martínez, Atlanta United are pure electricity when moving forward in attack. Martínez has set the league on fire since arriving from Italian side Torino in 2017, the Venezuelan striker has been an unstoppable force in front of goal, using his natural instincts to place the ball in the back of the net. With 57 total goals a league record 31 during the 2018 campaign, the talented tally's man has forever placed his name in MLS lore. 

Atlanta's frontline is perfectly balanced with Miguel Almirón providing a pure spark each time he comes in possession of the ball. The Paraguayan attacking midfielder is fully capable of taking a match over in many different capacities. Able to break down defenders and get to any place on the pitch he desires, he then uses his unique vision and anticipation to place others in prime positions to succeed, on top of being deadly when in front of goal himself. Almirón has recorded 13 goals and 11 assists to showcase his all-around abilities which have not gone unnoticed from across the pond, where Premier League side Arsenal rumored to be in negotiations to sign the talented Five Stripes man during the Winter transfer window.

The South American pairing generally grab all the headlines, but this squad are full of dynamic players throughout their normal rotation. Juilan Gressel, Darlington Nagbe and Héctor Villalba provide plenty of support behind their dangerous trigger-men, tactically positioned within the Five Stripes 3-5-2 formation, Martino leans heavily on the contributions of these under the radar performers on a consistent basis.

The second year side also feel they match-up well in goal. With USMNT member Brad Guzan earning the number one duties in between the sticks, his overall experience of playing on some of the biggest stages in club football should serve the Five Stripes well, as they will depend on his steady hand overall leadership to help guide the newly formed club to a well deserved title.

Portland Timbers land in enemy territory with another uphill battle to climb. The Timbers entered this playoff run as a true Cinderella, winning each match-up as opening line underdogs. But, the established MLS club are no strangers to this situation, shocking Columbus Crew in 2015 and winning the league title as the non-favorites.

The Timbers have their own South American manager in Giovanni Savarese. The first year head-man leads his team into the finals on a 9 match unbeaten streak, and after a slow start to the new campaign, the MLS veteran has his team believing they can shock the footballing world. 

Savarese took over for Caleb Porter who stepped down at the end of last season. The former NY Cosmos manager had huge shoes to fill after Porter had a sustained run of excellence while in the Pacific northwest, but the Venezuelan keeps proving he was the right man for the job, and now has the Timbers on the doorstep of their second MLS title in the last three seasons.

Portland are led by Diego Valeri,who seems to get better with age, the Argentine play-maker is the true spark plug of this gritty Timbers side. The visitors depend heavily on the exploits of the leagues former MVP, responsible for 14 goals and 12 assists, Valeri has a full compliment of skills at his disposal, using crosses and through balls to perfection, his ability to find runners in open space will be leaned on heavily to help equalize against Atlanta United's quick striking offensive attack. 

Jeremy Ebobisse has emerged as the Timber's dedicated number-nine atop their 4-2-3-1 alignment, the young American sniper has taken advantage of his limited opportunities, scoring 3 goals in just 10 appearances, he is a true weapon in the box where he can dominate his opponents in the air. 

Atlanta United will certainly game plan to slow down Valeri, which is expected. Cutting the head off the snake is always the best idea against this Timbers attack, but the hosts must also be aware of Sebastián Blanco who could have a large impact on Saturday night, the talented attacking midfielder has shown he can take a match over in a matter of minutes, with 13 goals and 8 assists during the 2018 campaign, keep an eye on Blanco who I expect to have a large impact over the course of 90 plus minutes. 

Portland also have high praise for their American keeper. Jeff Attinella has drawn high praise throughout the league, the veteran net-minder has played a huge role in the Timbers advancing t into the cup finals, his quick reflexes and overall shot blocking abilities should come in handy against this high octane Atlanta attack.

Atlanta United FC vs Portland Timbers - Match Prediction

MLS supporters are in for a treat when these two fast paced clubs match-up on Saturday night. With each team looking to set their offense into motion through counter attacks and searching through balls, we all should be in store for non-stop action as the league crowns its 23rd club champion since starting play in 1996.

Atlanta United FC have no secrets once they step onto the pitch. The Eastern conference champs want to run at every opportunity they have to catch the defense off balance. The Five Stripes send waves of attackers through the attacking half of the pitch, where they create 14.5 shots on goal per contest, while also attempting to be in the best position to clean-up second and third chance opportunities, which has led to 51 balls being placed in the back of the net while on their own pitch.

Portland are no slouches in the open field, although they are a bit more methodical in their approach, the Timbers can still slice their opponents in half within a matter of seconds, using creative through balls to find the open runner which has become their specialty. The visitors generally give up large amounts of possession, with only an average of 47.2% of the time on the ball, they use their aggression to create mistakes and place themselves in prosperous situations to succeed.

I am expecting fireworks once this match finally goes off the card. Atlanta United is certain to come out full of energy using the home crowd to fuel their enthusiasm, while also looking to grab that crucial early goal. The Timbers must get through the first 15-20 minutes without conceding to stay competitive in this finals affair. If they can keep the Five Stripes off the scoreboard early, they should grow more in confidence as they attempt to pull the ultimate upset.

Atlanta United FC vs Portland Timbers - Betting Tips 

Over 2.75  -125 / 1.8 - Total Full Time Goals
Atlanta United  -0.5  -105 / 1.95 - 1st Half Spread
Atlanta United To Win and Over 1.5 Goals  -135 / 1.74
Atlanta United - Team Total Over 2  -115 / 1.87 - Goals
Atlanta United - To Score In Both Halves - YES  +110 / 2.1 

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