It is safe to say that Christen Press has been the star player for Chicago on offense so far. In the six games she has played, Press has scored eight goals and that included her missing time due to the Women’s World Cup. She most recently bagged a brace against Kansas City in Chicago's previous fixture and will look to Press will likely be up top with either Sofia Huerta or Jen Hoy or will have one play behind both strikers. Huerta has been one of the top rookies in the NWSL and Hoy has stepped up nicely when the US internationals were out due to World Cup participation. Look for Vanessa DiBernado to make an impact and try to break through against a stingy Portland defense that has only given up 18 goals this season. DiBernado is second in the NWSL with five and will look to provide support to the likes of Press and Huerta.

The defense has given up some crushing equalizers but with the likes of Julie Johnston and Karina LeBlanc coming back into form, Chicago's defense will surely improve. They will be facing a Portland attack that will be missing Alex Morgan but still has the likes of Tobin Heath and Meleana Shim, who has scored four goals this season.

The Portland Thorns come in on a two game winning streak but will need to find attack from elsewhere. Alex Morgan is out with a knee injury and Portland will look to the likes of Tobin Heath to lead the way on attack. The US international has not scored this season but with Morgan out, the time for Heath to come into a run of form is now. They will also look to Allie Long, who has the fourth most assist in the NWSL this season.

They recently thrashed Boston 5-2 and will look to score some more against Chicago. While the attack hasn't been there all season, the defense has. Portland has given up the third fewest goals (behind Chicago and Seattle) and that has kept them in the playoff race.

This game is crucial for both teams in terms of playoff seeding. The Thorns sit right underneath the Houston Dash for the fourth and final playoff spot. They are currently one point behind Houston and are tied with Kansas City for 5th. A win or a loss can change the seeding dramatically. As for Chicago, they have to keep pace with the Seattle Reign. The Red Stars have one game in hand over Seattle and will look to remain tied at first in the NWSL.

Chicago and Seattle will look to rely on their stars to help them win the game and the team that gets the most production from the midfield will win this game.