Two clubs near the bottom of the Eastern Conference meet. Montréal are fighting for a chance to reach the play-offs as the season draws to a close, while Atlanta United have improved considerably after a poor start and head into the match in better form.
Montréal
Montréal have had a difficult season: they sit 15th in the Eastern Conference with 24 points from 28 matches (6 wins, 6 draws and 16 defeats). Interim head coach Philippe Eullaffroy, who replaced Marco Donadel, began with wins and built momentum before the FIFA World Cup break, but the team have faltered since the league resumed: across the summer and early autumn, Montréal have won just twice in their previous 14 matches. The Canadian club recently beat Cincinnati (3:1), but another defeat followed against Toronto (1:2). Their main problem is a leaky defence. The hosts have conceded 56 goals in 28 matches, with only Cincinnati (65) and Orlando City (66) conceding more in the Eastern Conference.
Atlanta United
Atlanta United began the season with three consecutive defeats and had just 11 points (3-9-2) by the FIFA World Cup break. After the break, they also lost to Nashville (0:1), New England Revolution (1:4) and Philadelphia Union (2:3), while drawing with Charlotte (2:2). By October, however, the picture had changed: Atlanta United have collected 15 points from their last 10 matches. They sit 14th in the Eastern Conference with 27 points from 28 matches, three points ahead of Montréal. Aleksei Miranchuk and Miguel Almirón are carrying the attack, with 11 goals between them.
Montréal vs Atlanta United Prediction
The teams have already met this season: on 2 May in Atlanta, the hosts won 3:1, with Saba Lobjanidze scoring twice and Emmanuel Latte Lath scoring in first-half stoppage time. Atlanta United head into this match in better shape and with more consistent results, while Montréal are lower in the standings and cannot halt their slump. Home advantage and Prince Owusu give the hosts a chance, but avoiding defeat will be enough for the visitors.
