Tactical video preview: Atlanta United vs. Portland Timbers in MLS Cup Final

Got time to kill before tonight’s MLS Cup Final between Atlanta United and Portland Timbers? Josh Bagriansky and myself take a dive — a deep, deep dive — into how the match might break down on the trusty tactics board.

We previewed how Atlanta might lineup up the starting XI, and Josh already previewed the match in full for you to read. Here, we evaluate each team’s strengths and weaknesses, plus we take a look at how the game might evolve when certain situations arise. How might substitutes affect the match? Who will take the penalties? This video will prepare you for what you’re likely to see on the pitch tonight.

And let us know what you think! Leave comments below or comment on the video itself and let us know if you’d like to see more of this going forward. Want it to be shorter? Want to see our faces? Let us know.