LA Galaxy v. Portland Timbers: How To Watch

The LA Galaxy will look to cement themselves as the second place team in the Western Conference, after FC Dallas locked up first place against the Vancouver Whitecaps. Avoiding the play-in games and solidifying themselves as a 2-seed will now be their top priority with an Eastern Conference Regular Season Championship or a Supporters Shield title out of sight.

For the Timbers, it's do or die. They sit below the red line, but have a game in hand on the San Jose Earthquakes and are still very much alive. The club earned a vital win against Real Salt Lake last time out, and they'll be looking to Darlington Nagbe to carry the torch once more.

With just about a full complement of attacking options, the LA Galaxy will undoubtedly be trying to get that August-level swagger back as the playoffs near. Rounding into form at this point could go a long way towards carrying them toward yet another deep run in the MLS Cup Playoffs.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Desperation makes for great soccer. The Portland Timbers are desperate for a playoff berth and know that their backs are against the wall. They've been fairly good on the road this year, and this might be the perfect opportunity for them.

Watch for the Galaxy to be lethal on the counter. Portland will throw numbers forward, leaving space for the Galaxy's attack to exploit. If they're sharp, this could be a shootout.

TELEVISION: Fox Sports 1, Fox Deportes (4PM PT, 7PM ET)

STREAMING: Fox Sports GO