Atlanta primed for cup glory over Portland

Sky Sports Football, 1am Saturday night

The finale of the MLS season is upon us as the Portland Timbers journey south to take on Atlanta, who are looking to claim American soccer’s top prize in just their second season.

However, the Five Stripes are rookies in name only, having finished second in the regular season thanks largely to talisman striker Josef Martinez, who racked up 31 goals in 34 games.

The commitment of Atlanta's supporters has been impressive and they have packed out the Mercedes-Benz Stadium with attendances more than 70,000.

That has helped United to six straight home victories and they have scored at least two goals in each of them.

Portland face a tough task to cope with the strength of the pride of Georgia, but they did manage a draw there earlier in the season so know they have what it takes to compete.

Giovanni Savarese’s men finished fifth in the Western Conference but they have repeatedly defied the odds in the playoffs, edging Seattle on penalties before a last-minute winner at Sporting Kansas City booked their place in the final.

However their luck looks set to run out and Atlanta could be poised to win their first MLS Cup in comfortable fashion.

Recommendation
Atlanta -1 on handicap
1pt 7-5 Betfair, Paddy Power

Bet on this match at Soccerbase.com

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