MLS opening weekend: All you need to know...

By James Kilpatrick

The 2016 MLS season kicks off this Sunday with Chicago Fire v New York City and Portland Timbers v Columbus Crew live on Sky Sports 1 from 7pm

The new MLS season kicks off on Sunday, March 6.

You can follow all the action on Sky Sports and across our digital platforms right through until the MLS Cup final in December.

Here are five games to look out for this weekend, the star names on show - and when to watch on Sky Sports...

Chicago Fire v New York City - Live on Sky

Image: David Villa, Frank Lampard and Andrea Pirlo are all set to be in action on Sunday

Where? Toyota Park

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When? March 6, kick-off at 7pm GMT

Stadium capacity? 20,500

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How do I follow the match? Watch live on Sky Sports 1 HD or follow our live coverage on skysports.com and our mobile platforms.

Which stars will be on show? 

Although Chicago's squad does not consist of many star names, look out for pacey Ghanaian forward David Accam who is hard to stop on the counter-attack. Brazilian striker Gilberto can also be a threat.

For New York City, the three big names are expected to be on show. Andrea Pirlo, Frank Lampard and David Villa are all fit to play and have enjoyed uninterrupted pre-seasons. Also keep your eyes peeled for new head coach Patrick Vieira on the touchline.

Portland Timbers v Columbus Crew - Live on Sky

Image: Diego Valeri #8 of the Portland Timbers celebrates

When? March 6, kick-off at 9.30pm GMT

Where? Providence Park

Stadium capacity? 22,000

How do I follow the match? Watch live on Sky Sports 1 HD or follow our live coverage on skysports.com and our mobile platforms.

Which stars will be on show?

Former Porto midfielder Diego Valeri  is a consistent threat in Major League Soccer, while US international Darlington Nagbe is predicted to have a huge breakout year. Also be on the watch for former Birmingham, Aston Villa and West Brom defender Liam Ridgewell.

Columbus will likely rely on two stars from last season in Ethan Finlay and Kei Kamara, but also Gonzalo Higuain's older brother Federico Higuain is another crucial player.

Other games to look out for… 

New York Red Bulls v Toronto FC

Image: Toronto FC forward Sebastian Giovinco could light up the league again in 2016

When?  March 6, kick-off at 6.30pm GMT

Where? Red Bull Arena

Stadium capacity? 25,000

How do I follow the match? Watch the goals on skysports.com and Sky Sports News HQ on Monday morning.

Which stars will be on show?

Bradley Wright-Phillips and Sacha Kljestan were both instrumental to the Red Bulls' success last season, look out for them to try to prove the creative spark again. Sebastian Giovinco, the 2015 MLS MVP, supported by US internationals Jozy Altidore and Michael Bradley, makes for an equally potent attack.

Vancouver Whitecaps v Montreal Impact

Image: Didier Drogba is likely to lead the line against New England Revolution on Saturday night

When? March 6, kick-off at 10.30pm GMT

Where? BC Place

Stadium Capacity? 54,500

How do I follow the match? Watch the goals on skysports.com and Sky Sports News HQ on Monday morning.

Which stars will be on show?

Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Pedro Morales and pacey winger Kekuta Manneh would like to put their footprint on this Canadian derby. But Chelsea legend Didier Drogba is likely to start for Montreal as well as Argentine attacking midfielder Ignacio Piatti.

Los Angeles Galaxy v DC United

Image: Steven Gerrard and Robbie Keane have enjoyed a full pre-season with LA Galaxy

When? March 7, kick-off at 3am GMT  

Where? StubHub Center

Stadium Capacity? 27,000

How do I follow the match? Watch the goals on skysports.com and Sky Sports News HQ on Monday morning.

Which stars will be on show?

As is always the case every season, LA Galaxy don't let you down when it comes to star names, with Steven Gerrard, Robbie Keane, Giovani dos Santos all set to feature. Nigel de Jong and Ashley Cole will also add another layer of high-level experience.

Watch Major League Soccer on Sky Sports this season.

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