Match Preview: Atlanta United kicks off homestand midweek against CF Montréal

First Touches

• Atlanta United will be wearing the 17s’ Kit | See the colors and learn the story.
• The group is coming off a 1-1 road draw against the Philadelphia Union where Saba Lobjanidze scored his eighth goal of the season to equalize.
• This is a double matchweek for the 5-Stripes. Their next and last home game of the regular season will be on Saturday, Oct. 5 against New York Red Bulls. Click here to view tickets
• “We just need to focus on the results – getting three points. It is probably the biggest game of the season for us.” | Brooks Lennon on matchup against Montréal.

Playoff Picture

• Atlanta United current conference standing: 11^th
• Points below the playoff line: Three points below Philadelphia Union in 9^th

Match Details

• Date: Wednesday, Oct. 2
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
• Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Attending the match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium? View our detailed timeline and things to do before kickoff

How to watch, listen and live stream Atlanta United vs. CF Montréal

• TV: Watch on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
• Listen: Local radio 92.9 The Game and La Mejor
• Live stream: Watch on MLS Season on the Apple TV App or visit https://tv.apple.com/
• Follow along: Follow the match with real-time stats and play-by-play on our Matchday Hub Page

Two teams with playoff aspirations

As the regular season ends soon, the race for playoff qualification in the Eastern Conference is coming down to the wire. Decision Day, which falls on October 19, is just around the corner and both Atlanta United and CF Montréal are fighting for a postseason spot.

Coming into this match, the 5-Stripes sit at 11^th with 34 points. Just above them in 10^th place is Montréal with 37 points. Both are on the outside looking in as the Philadelphia Union sits in the last playoff spot with 37 points. Right now, the Union’s goal differential of 10 compared to CF Montréal’s -17 is the deciding factor.

With a win, Atlanta could leapfrog Montréal and put themselves in a better position for the final two matches of the regular season.

Last Meeting and Series Meeting

Atlanta holds an all-time record of 7-4-3 against CF Montréal. The last time these two teams met was earlier this season back in July. The last time the two clubs met at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta United walked away with a dominant 4-1 win over Montréal.

• See how Atlanta United can get three points on the Tools to the Match

Players to Watch

Saba Lobjanidze (Atlanta United) – As Atlanta United’s leading scorer with eight goals on the season so far, Lobjanidze has stepped up when the club needed a big goal. His most recent finish came against the Philadelphia Union on Saturday. Brooks Lennon, who has three assists over the last 10 matches, delivered a perfect ball that Lobjanidze tucked in for his second headed goal in the last three matches.

Jonathan Sirois (CF Montréal) – The Bleu-blanc-noir will be coming into Mercedes-Benz Stadium with two consecutive shutouts under their belts. Montréal recently defeated Chicago Fire 2-0 and San Jose Quakes 3-0. Much of that is thanks to play of goalkeeper Jonathan Sirois. The last time Atlanta faced Sirios back in July, Montréal got the 1-0 shutout at home.