CF Montréal vs Atlanta United Prediction and Lineups: CF Montréal is predicted to edge out Atlanta United with a 2-1 victory in their MLS Playoffs Wild Card match, leveraging their strong home form and recent defensive improvements.
Key Takeaways
- CF Montréal hosts Atlanta United in MLS Playoffs Wild Card Round.
- Match kicks off at 7:30 pm ET/4:30 pm PT on October 22, 2024 at Stade Saputo.
- Montréal finished 8th in Eastern Conference, Atlanta 9th.
- Montréal won 4 of last 5 MLS matches, Atlanta unbeaten in last 4 away games.
- Winner advances to face 1st-seeded Inter Miami in Conference Quarterfinals.
Match Preview: CF Montréal vs Atlanta United
The MLS Playoffs kick off with an intriguing Eastern Conference Wild Card matchup as CF Montréal welcomes Atlanta United to Stade Saputo.
This single-elimination contest pits two teams looking to extend their seasons and make a deep postseason run.
Recent Form and Standings
CF Montréal enters the playoffs with momentum, having won four of their final five regular season matches.
This late surge propelled them to an 8th place finish in the Eastern Conference with 43 points.
Their home form has been particularly strong, going unbeaten in their last four at Stade Saputo while outscoring opponents 9-1.
Atlanta United secured the 9th and final playoff spot on goal difference, finishing level on 40 points with DC United.
The Five Stripes closed out the regular season with a 2-1 victory over Orlando City, capping off a five-match unbeaten run away from home.
Key Players to Watch
For Montréal, keep an eye on forward Josef Martinez, who will be eager to make an impact against his former club.
Midfielders Caden Clark and Nathan-Dylan Saliba have also been crucial to Montréal’s recent success.
Atlanta will look to Saba Lobzhanidze and Jamal Thiare to provide an offensive spark. Both players found the net in Atlanta’s crucial Decision Day victory.
Injury Updates
Montréal midfielder Lassi Lappalainen is recovering from a lower-body injury but may be available off the bench.
For Atlanta, Edwin Mosquera missed their last match due to a knock, while goalkeeper Quentin Westberg was sidelined with a head injury. Their status for this playoff clash remains uncertain.
Tactical Approach
Under manager Laurent Courtois, Montréal has significantly improved their defensive structure, posting three clean sheets in their final five regular season matches.
They’ve been particularly effective when scoring first, winning their last seven matches across all competitions in such scenarios.
Atlanta United, led by Rob Valentino, has shown resilience on the road. However, they’ve struggled in playoff away matches, losing their last four. The Five Stripes will need to buck this trend to advance.
Head-to-Head History
Atlanta has struggled at Stade Saputo recently, losing three of their last four visits. Their lone victory in Montréal came during the 2023 campaign.
Where to Watch Live?
The match will be broadcast exclusively on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 pm ET/4:30 pm PT on October 22, 2024.
CF Montréal vs Atlanta United Lineups
- CF Montréal Lineup (4-2-3-1): Sirois; Marshall-Rutty, Campbell, Waterman, Alvarez; Piette, Saliba; Edwards, Duke, Clark; Martinez
- Atlanta United Lineup (4-2-3-1): Guzan; Lennon, Rode Gregersen, Williams, Amador; Slisz, Fortune; Lobzhanidze, Muyumba, Wolff; Thiare
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Match Prediction
Given Montréal’s strong home form and recent defensive improvements, they enter as slight favorites. However, Atlanta’s away resilience makes this a tough match to call. Expect a tightly contested affair with Montréal’s home advantage potentially proving decisive.
Prediction: CF Montréal 2-1 Atlanta United
The winner of this match will face a daunting task in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals, traveling to take on Supporters’ Shield winners Inter Miami.
With high stakes and the season on the line, both teams will leave everything on the pitch in what promises to be an exciting start to the MLS Playoffs.
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