Preview: CF Montreal vs. Atlanta United - prediction, team news, lineups

Atlanta United make the trip to the Saputo Stadium on Thursday to face off against CF Montreal in search of their first victory in 10 matches.

On the other hand, the home side will relish an opportunity to return to winning ways on home turf following three consecutive away losses.

Match preview

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CF Montreal became the first team to lose to Inter Miami since May 16 as they suffered a 2-1 defeat when the teams clashed on Sunday.

Wilfried Nancy's men led at half time courtesy of Joaquin Torres's 20th-minute opener, but a second-half brace from Gonzalo Higuain turned the game on its head.

With 22 points from 16 outings, the Florida-based outfit are hanging on to the last playoff spot in the Eastern Conference by a thread.

Thursday's hosts have amassed 14 of 22 points on home turf, where they have won three in a row and have only been beaten once this term.

However, Montreal's record against Atlanta United leaves cause for concern, with five of the last seven clashes involving the sides ending in a win for the latter.

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Despite taking the lead on two separate occasions, Atlanta United fell to a 3-2 defeat versus Orlando City SC on Saturday.

Goals from Josef Martinez and Marcelino Moreno were cancelled out by Kyle Smith and Silvester van der Water before Nani popped up with the winner in the 87th-minute.

The Five Stripes have started the current campaign on the back foot, with only two points separating them from bottom-placed Inter Miami having played two games more.

Rob Valentino's men are one of five teams in the entire division yet to record an away win, and now is as good a time as any to end that run.

Team News

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Atlanta's Emerson Hyndman and Franco Ibarra are major doubts for the contest as they remain sidelined with hamstring and muscle injuries respectively.

Ezequiel Barco is yet to return from his involvement with the Argentina national team at the Olympics in Tokyo, while the trio of Brad Guzan, George Bello and Miles Robinson were part of a triumphant United States side at the Gold Cup.

A knee injury will rule Mohammed Adams out for the fifth game on the trot, denying him an opportunity to add to his three appearances this term.

Clement Diop is ruled out for the hosts due to a thigh injury, while Ballou Tabla continues to battle with a groin problem.

Josef Martinez put an end to a five-game goal drought with his opener last time out, and he will be looking to kick on from there.

CF Montreal possible starting lineup:
Pantemis; Bassong, Camacho, Waterman; Lappalainen, Maciel, Wanyama, Choiniere; Mihailovic, Torres, Toye

Atlanta United possible starting lineup:
Kann; Lennon, Franco, Walkes, Hernandez; Rosseto, Sosa, Moreno; Martinez, Chol, Mulraney

We say: CF Montreal 1-0 Atlanta United

The away side have got the better of their hosts more often than not, but their form heading into the contest suggests that the hosts have a chance of turning the tide. We are tipping CF Montreal to emerge victorious in what should be a fascinating encounter.