CF Montreal head coach Laurent Courtois says the membership “need extra” as they give the impression of being to beat Atlanta United within the MLS playoffs Japanese Convention Wild Card match.
Montreal had regarded unlikely candidates to make the playoffs, having endured a torrid run which noticed them win simply three of 15 video games between June and mid-September.
Nonetheless, they rallied of their last 5 video games of the common season, profitable 4 of their last 5 video games to seal eighth place within the Japanese Convention.
Having secured house benefit for the tie, their first playoff recreation at Saputo Stadium since 2022, Courtois expects his gamers to be prepared for the large match.
“We form of stunned individuals already, however Tuesday is simply a tremendous recreation, and I’m so happy with these guys and workers, all of the those who help us to do one thing fascinating,” Courtois instructed reporters.
“We’re happy to get the playoff spot in entrance of our followers, however now we would like extra. There’s no cockiness, not an excessive amount of humbleness. We simply go.
“You don’t change on on recreation day. It simply doesn’t occur that method. We belief the fellows to recuperate physique and thoughts and be prepared for the duty in opposition to Atlanta.”
Locked in.
The 2024 Audi #MLSCupPlayoffs are set. pic.twitter.com/wAqiTRTUR3
— Main League Soccer (@MLS) October 20, 2024
In the meantime, Atlanta overturned the chances on determination day to ebook ninth place on purpose distinction, as they beat Orlando Metropolis 2-1, but additionally received assist as D.C. United and Philadelphia Union each misplaced.
They’ve gained each of their matches since shedding to Montreal at the beginning of October, and interim head coach Rob Valentino was delighted that they proved individuals flawed.
“There’s numerous feelings, however primarily pleasure for the gamers and workers who’ve had a tricky 12 months,” he mentioned.
“It reveals that you are able to do something should you hold exhibiting up, doing all your work, staying resilient, staying persistent.
“I believed on this group till the top, and it feels higher after individuals wrote us off, however we’ve received ourselves in, and now we have to go and show ourselves once more.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
CF Montreal – Josef Martinez
Atlanta United’s all-time main scorer, Josef Martinez, now taking part in for Montreal, has scored 4 objectives in 211 all-time minutes in opposition to the 5 Stripes.
The ensuing 1.71 objectives per 90 minutes charge is the very best of any participant in opposition to Atlanta in MLS play (min. 200 minutes performed).
Atlanta United – Saba Lobjanidze
Saba Lobjanidze completed the common season as Atlanta’s main goalscorer, netting 9 occasions, together with one of their last match in opposition to Orlando Metropolis.
He solely had two photographs in that recreation, creating simply 0.13 anticipated objectives (xG), however transformed his massive possibilities, and had essentially the most touches within the field amongst his team-mates (5).
That is all because of you, Atlanta #UniteThe404 pic.twitter.com/A7xS21L3F6
— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) October 20, 2024
MATCH PREDICTION: CF MONTREAL WIN
This would be the first postseason assembly between CF Montreal and Atlanta United. Montreal gained each conferences this season, their first league double over the 5 Stripes.
Montreal have gained 5 of their six all-time house playoff matches (L1), although the lone defeat got here of their final house playoff match, a 3-1 loss to New York Metropolis FC within the 2022 Convention Semifinals.
This might be Atlanta’s second single-leg playoff knockout match on the highway after shedding 2-0 at NYCFC within the 2021 First Spherical. Atlanta have misplaced their final 4 away playoff matches general, together with each video games in Columbus within the 2023 First Spherical.
Nonetheless, they gained their last two matches of the common season, their first set of back-to-back wins in all competitions since March. The 5 Stripes haven’t gained three straight matches in all competitions in over three years, since a three-match run in September 2021.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
CF Montreal – 41.2%
Draw – 26.7%
Atlanta United – 32.2%
