Portland Timbers vs. New England Revolution: How to Watch, Previews, Match Chat [6:00]

The Portland Timbers are looking to get back to winning ways today as they host the New England Revolution this evening at Providence Park. The Revs, meanwhile, will be looking to put together back to back wins after grabbing their first victory of the season in last weekend’s 5-2 demolition of Minnesota United.

The Timbers will have back David Guzman and Darlington Nagbe from international duty, but the side is still short several starters as Liam Ridgewell and Vytas continue to struggle with injuries.

Previews

Match Preview: “In particular, the ability of the Timbers to cover the wide areas deep on the Timbers flanks will be key against the Revolution. New England are a side that like to get the ball down and attack through the middle of the pitch and are known as such, but it is the side’s ability to get service from out wide to forwards Kei Kamara and Juan Agudelo that the Timbers will need to be wary of. Much of that service comes from the side’s tendency to push full backs Chris Tierney and Andrew Farrell up the pitch to support the attack. Tierney in particular has been a regular contributor of assists for the Revs and showed off his ability to provide dangerous chances from the left against Minnesota last weekend as he notched an assist and grabbed a goal as well off a second half penalty kick.”

Preview Interview: “New England has largely been a team that has succeeded with an attack by committee strategy. Even with Lee Nguyen's heroics in 2014 when he was an MVP finalist, the Revs usually aren't reliant on just one player to score. However, Nguyen is the team's best chance creator and Agudelo is probably the striker more likely to breakout with a big season. Juan had injury issues last year but finished 2016 on a tear as he lead the Revs to five wins in their last seven games.”

And don’t forget to make your match prediction over here.

Match Information

Watch it on: ESPN2

When: Sunday, April 2nd at 6:00 p.m. PT

Where: Providence Park in Portland, OR

Portland Timbers: 3-1-0, 1st place in the Western Conference, Lost 3-2 away to Columbus Crew SC

New England Revolution: 1-2-0, 8th place in the Eastern Conference, Won 5-2 home against Minnesota United FC