90min
·21 September 2023
90min
·21 September 2023
Atlanta United are set to take on CF Montreal in an Eastern Conference showdown on September 23 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Following their impressive showing against Inter Miami, Atlanta United then traveled to the nation's capital to take on DC United at Audi Field in a contest that ended in a 1-1 draw. Although Atlanta looked the better side early on, they have have been fortunate to come away with a point seeing how the latter stages of the game unfolded.
On the other hand, Montreal are coming off back-to-back draws against Chicago Fire (0-0) and FC Cincinnati (1-1). The Canadian side are just about in a playoff position in the Eastern Conference standings in eighth place with 37 points, and will be hoping to avoid defeat in the Peach State.
Will the Five Stripes prevail at home in front of their supporters, or will the Canadian side pick up an all-impressive road victory to boost their playoff hopes?
Saba Lobjanidze continues to impress in Atlanta / Jason Allen/ISI Photos/GettyImages
Winger Saba Lobjanidze picked up right where he left off against DC, notching a goal in the 14th minute to give Atlanta the lead. The Georgia international was lively throughout the first half and the goal was coming for the 28-year-old.
Atlanta also came away from the draw with no fresh injuries, while Osvaldo 'Ozzie' Alonso is still recovering from a leg injury and is unlikely to feature.
Atlanta United predicted lineup vs CF Montreal ( 4-2-3-1 ): Guzan; Lennon, Robinson, Abram, Wiley; Muyumba, Rossetto; Lobjanidze, Almada, Silva; Giakoumakis.
Aaron Herrera is expected to be back with the team early next month as he's recovering from an ankle injury, while Robert Orri Thorkelsson's groin injury also sees him sidelined until early October.
Another ankle injury in the camp has Jules-Anthony Vilsaint out of action until late October, when Montreal hope to be in the mix for MLS Cup playoffs.
With the Five Stripes back at home, it seems that they have all the tools necessary to cook up a win as they look qualify for the playoffs. If the likes of Thiago Almada, Giorgos Giakoumakis, Xande Silva and Lobjandize continue their excellent ways, there's no reason as to why Atlanta shouldn't walk away from the game without scoring three or four goals.
However, their defense (that has been improved in recent weeks) is still a weakness and was on display at various parts against DC and could keep the visitors in the game. Should Montreal's Kwadwo Opoku and and Mathieu Choiniere be on point, they could have enough to give Atlanta's backline some trouble here and there.
But at home, Atlanta should have enough in their ranks to pull off a comfortable win against Montreal.
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