Portland Timbers at Chicago Fire: How to Watch, Previews, Match Chat [5:30]

The Portland Timbers come up against the worst in the East today as they travel to the Windy City and take on the Chicago Fire. However, even the least place Fire are no pushovers and the Timbers will need to come correct if they want to pick up their first road win of the season.

With Darlington Nagbe out and Fanendo Adi questionable, will the Timbers be able to break down a stout Fire defense?

Previews

Match Preview: "Playing against a strong defensive side in Chicago, the Timbers will need a player who is capable of breaking down a packed in block of nine and creating space for the likes of Diego Valeri, who will have to shoulder an ever increasing amount of the Timbers attacking burden. Asprilla, assuming that he is back in Porter's good graces, could be particularly adept at this, especially if he is deployed in a primarily wide role, giving the team more space in which to work in the center of the pitch."

Stumptown Breakdown: "Nagbe, when he plays out there, likes to come into the center of the pitch and combine with his fellow attackers; Asprilla, on the other hand, is a bit more of an out-and-out winger who likes to use his pace while isolated against defenders. With that in mind, Porter could also turn to Jack McInerney out on the wing, assuming Fanendo Adi is healthy. McInerney, with his work ethic and technical ability, could help the Timbers on the outside, looking to come into the center of the field to combine with his fellow teammates and create chances around the box."

Match Information

Watch it on: KPDX

Kickoff: 5:30 p.m. PT at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, IL

Portland Timbers: 4-6-3, 8th place in the Western Conference

Chicago Fire: 2-5-4, 10th place in the Eastern Conference