The 2016 Eastern Conference Runners-Up Montreal Impact host the impressive league rookies Atlanta United FC on Saturday, April 15 at 1:00pm. What can you expect from each team and where can you watch the game?
Montreal enters Week 7 without a win on the year. Considering how they finished 2016, this has come as quite a surprise. Atlanta, on the other hand, looks like anything but an expansion team and does not seem to be slowing down.
This game has so many storylines coming in that once the ball is kicked, both teams will be grateful for the normalcy. How will the distractions, suspensions, and injuries impact this game on both sides of the ball?
Montreal Impact:
The Impact have not had a great start to 2017. It should be noted, however, that four of their first five matches have been on the road. This week, they return to Stade Saputo to host one of the hottest teams in the league.
There is optimism that this matchup will feature the return of dynamic playmaker Ignacio Piatti. Unfortunately, the team will be down two other men who will be serving suspensions.
First, is defender Wandrille Lefevre who has been suspended by the team for an “unacceptable social media post.” While Lefevre has not been much of a factor for the Impact this season, the distraction around the circumstances of this suspension could be a factor for the team.
Second, and more impactful, is the suspension of Marco Donadel which was held up by the Independent Panel this week. If Piatti is not able to go, or is not at 100%, missing both men could be tremendously detrimental to the team’s prospects for a win.
Atlanta United:
The Five Stripes are not without their share of distractions and suspensions this week.
First, on a positive note, the team celebrated the opening of their brand new, state-of-the-art training facility. While this was a tremendously positive step for the young team, the media circus around the opening could have caused some distractions as the team prepared this week.
The team is still dealing from the loss of Josef Martinez during the international break. During last week’s game at Toronto FC, we saw a different lineup than we have seen all year with the other internationals fully rested.
This week, though, the team will be without another one of their speedy attackers as Yamil Asad serves a suspension for a controversial red card during last week’s game.
Not all hope is lost up top, though, as Tito Villalba has found his form filling in for an injured Martinez. And, regardless of where you put him on the field, Miguel Almiron is an offensive monster. Both men should continue their tremendous form this week.
Prediction:
Atlanta has gone on the road the past two weeks to both participants from the 2016 MLS Cup and walked away with draws in each match. While Montreal made it to the Eastern Conference Finals last season, they have not looked like the same team yet this year. Look for Atlanta to put up some big scores and come home with the win this week.
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How to Watch:
The game can be seen Saturday, April 15 at 1:00pm EST (10:00am PST) on CTV, TVAS, TSN5, Fox Sports South, and MLS Live.