2018 MLS Cup Final: How to watch Atlanta United vs Portland Timbers live on December 8

Topics: TV Schedules, Atlanta United, Portland Timbers, MLS Cup

Who will clinch the 2018 Cup? Tune in to Atlanta United vs Portland Timbers on FOX in the USA starting from 20:00 EST (17:00 PST).

How they got here: Atlanta United vs Portland Timbers

Atlanta United beat New York Red Bulls 3-1 on aggregate in order to book their spot in the MLS Cup finals. Considering that they were eliminated at the playoffs stage in 2017, which happened to be their debut campaign in MLS, Gerardo Martino's men have really impressed fans and neutrals alike in their sophomore campaign, and led by star striker Josef Martinez, who has scored an impressive 34 goals in just 38 appearances for his club, United will be hoping to go one step further and lift the coveted prize this Saturday.

Before then, they had to see off another New York-based side as they took on the team many MLS fans choose to view as "cross-town" rivals for the Red Bulls: New York City FC. A 4-1 aggregate win (with victories both on the road and at home) was enough to set up an Eastern Conference Championship clash against the team who beat them to top spot in the Conference, and having gotten past that hurdle, they will be certainly fancying their chances at clinching the title.

However, standing in their way are Portland Timbers, who have even more added incentive to win the trophy. Why? Because the last time they were in the final, which was in 2015, they won the cup. Giovanni Savarese's side have truly had to fight tooth and nail for their place at this juncture, and have survived some real ups and downs along the way. After beating FC Dallas in a hard-fought 2-1 battle, they were nearly knocked out by Seattle Sounders following a 3-2 defeat in the second leg of the semi-finals.

Yet, thanks to holding their nerve in a tense penalty shoot-out on the Sounders' home turf, Timbers emerged triumphant to lock horns with top-seeded Sporting Kansas City. Following a 0-0 scoreless draw, they then had to travel to Kansas City's home ground and win to get through, and in a game that certainly entertained both supporters and MLS neutrals, Timbers came out on top in a 3-2 result.

So, while Atlanta United's journey hasn't been as dramatic as their opponents, it still has not been as easy, and only one of these teams will be able to celebrate the fruit of their labors on Saturday evening. Will it be Martino's side, in only their second season in the top flight? Or will the Timbers manage to pull off one last surprise to give their supporters something to celebrate heading into the Christmas break?

Where they finished the season: Atlanta United vs Portland Timbers

Atlanta United finished the season as runners up in the Eastern Conference, which indeed is an impressive feat for a team who only began to play in the MLS in 2017. They were only bettered by New York Red Bulls, who pipped them to top spot by two points.

Meanwhile, Portland Timbers were not as impressive in conference play, as they finished in fifth spot, but at the end of the day, they did see off top ranked Sporting Kansas City to book their spot in the final, meaning that they are not to be underestimated.

Team news: Atlanta United vs Portland Timbers

Atlanta United: Sal Zizzo, Mikey Ambrose, Brandon Vazquez, Chris McCann (injured)

Portland Timbers: Roy Miller, Jake Gleeson (injured); Samuel Armenteros (doubtful)

Match Facts and Stats: Atlanta United vs Portland Timbers

Josef Martínez has yet to score against Portland Timbers (along with three other teams)
Atlanta is the only team that made the playoffs yet to concede from open play
Atlanta United are unbeaten in their last 12 games at home (9W-3D) - including the playoffs

TV Channels and Broadcasts

In the USA, tune in to Atlanta United locking horns with Portland Timbers on SiriusXM FC, FOX Network, Univision NOW, FOX Soccer Match Pass, UniMás, and Univision Deportes En Vivo.

In Canada, TSN3, TVA Sports, TSN5, TSN GO, and TSN1 are your choices to catch Atlanta United vs Portland Timbers.

In the UK, SKY GO Extra and Sky Sports Football will be showing Atlanta United vs Portland Timbers.

Are you a MLS fan who lives elsewhere? Below you will find available options for your current location to tune into to Atlanta United vs Portland Timbers: