Three keys to the game at Stade Saputo on Saturday afternoon
The time for revenge is now. The Impact suffered its biggest loss in a while on Gillette Stadium’s turf, a few weeks ago, falling 4-0 to the New England Revolution. It’s time for the Bleu-blanc-noir to cross the T’s and dot the I’s, especially after suffering four straight losses. Still, the Impact fared well for 70 minutes in Atlanta last week and could find inspiration in its defensive performance; not to mention that the defensive cornerstone behind Montreal’s two victories this year, Rod Fanni, is back and available for head coach Rémi Garde. Here are the three keys to the game against Brad Friedel’s men, who visit Stade Saputo this Saturday at 1pm (TICKETS – TVA Sports, 98,5fm, TSN Radio 690).
- Adopt the same attitude as the first 70 minutes in Atlanta
Obviously, this game’s context is a little different – the Impact is at home and will have the ball more, while the Revs don’t represent the offensive danger that Atlanta does – but Montreal can feel confident in the fact that it caused its opponent a real problem with its defensive animations. The Bleu-blanc-noir will have to be as difficult to break down at Stade Saputo if it hopes to win the game; the Boston side allows on average one goal per game.
- Prepare for a physical battle
The Revs’ defensive trio in the middle, made up of central defenders Jalil Anibaba and Claude Dielna, and completed by defensive midfielder Wilfried Zahibo, doesn’t shy away from a physical duel. They do have the frame to do so: each one of those players measures over six feet. Add Juan Agudelo to the list, at six foot one, and Teal Bunbury, at six foot two, playing a little further up the pitch, and that makes for a very voluntary and imposing team. The Bleu-blanc-noir will have to be ready to play the shoulder.
- Score first
The Impact did this in its last two games, although it didn’t pay dividends. Still, scoring first opens many possibilities for the Bleu-blanc-noir: not only will it work wonders for the team’s confidence, but spaces become more and more available when the opponent is forced to attack and propel numbers forward. And with the wizard Nacho Piatti up front, these spaces can profit Saturday’s hosts.
