ATL Standard

As the regular season nears its end, Atlanta United faces a crucial match against CF Montréal on Wednesday night. The 5-Stripes need to secure points in their remaining three matches to keep their playoff hopes alive. Currently sitting 11th in the Eastern Conference, Atlanta is three points behind 8th-place Toronto. Meanwhile, Montréal is tied with Toronto and Philadelphia on points but holds the 10th spot due to goal difference.

Atlanta's recent form includes two road draws against New York Red Bulls and Philadelphia. In contrast, Montréal has won its last two home games without conceding a goal. This sets the stage for a critical encounter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

A key strategy for Atlanta will be delivering accurate crosses into dangerous areas. "They have consistently done a good job of getting into dangerous areas down the flanks and at times delivered really dangerous crosses into the box for attackers to score," states an analysis of their wing play. Brooks Lennon exemplified this by assisting Saba Lobjanidze's goal against Philadelphia. With one more assist, Lennon could tie the club record. Given that Montréal has conceded 47 goals from inside its own box this season—the third-highest in MLS—this tactic could prove effective.

Defensively, Atlanta must avoid giving space to Montréal’s attackers inside the box. In their recent 3-0 victory over San Jose, two goals originated from cutbacks on the right flank finding strikers open in the box—a vulnerability Atlanta must address.

Montréal's attack is spearheaded by Josef Martínez, who leads with eight goals this season, including two from last weekend’s match. Containing Martínez and monitoring Montréal's wingers will be vital for Atlanta’s defense.

Another area where Atlanta needs improvement is scoring early in matches; they have only netted four of their 41 goals this season within the first 30 minutes of play. This game presents an opportunity as Montréal has conceded 29 first-half goals—the second-highest total in MLS—and leads in set-piece goals allowed with 22.

Fans can watch Wednesday night's game on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV or listen on Sports Radio 92.9 The Game (English) or La Mejor – AM 1600 (Spanish). Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 pm ET at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.

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