| FC Supra du Québec vs Halifax Wanderers April 24 at CEPSUM Stadium in Montréal, QC Watch Live: OneSoccer Tickets Available Here |
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After the disappointment of their first home-ever game, which ended in a 1-0 defeat against Atlético Ottawa despite an excellent performance, FC Supra return to CEPSUM Stadium to face the Halifax Wanderers on Friday night.
The match will be a tough one for Nick Razzaghi's squad against a Halifax team undefeated in their first three games of the season.
For Supra, managing set pieces effectively will be crucial for a positive outcome, as Halifax is a formidable opponent in this area. Vanni Sartini's men, who are 1-2-0 since the start of the season, have scored five times. Four of those goals came from set plays.
Supra, who conceded Tyr Duhaney-Walker's goal against Ottawa from a long-range free kick, now know what to expect. Furthermore, with the change to the offside rule in the CPL that favours attackers on set pieces, Supra have every reason to be vigilant in this aspect of the game.
The Wanderers have also scored all of their goals in the second half, while FC Supra conceded both goals against Pacific FC and the goal against Atlético Ottawa in the second half.
The midfield battle will also undoubtedly be one of the keys to this match, an area where several players are in top form. Lorenzo Callegari, Halifax's metronome, earned a spot in the Team of the Week in Matchweek 1. His midfield partner, Isaiah Johnston, who plays in a more attacking role is also in good form, having been named to the CPL Team of the Week on Matchday 1.
For Supra, Alessandro Biello, who played for the Wanderers last season, and Aboubacar Sissoko, if they maintain their starting positions, have a significant challenge ahead of them, but will provide challenges our their own for Halifax.
The game promises to be thrilling, but also crucial for both teams. A victory would give Halifax a 5-point lead over Supra (having played one more game) and move them closer to the top of the standings. A win for Supra would see them overtake Halifax in the standings.
News and Notes
- After being forced off with an injury against Ottawa following a collision with Manny Aparicio, Alessandro Biello is recovering well. He received several stitches, but trained normally and is available for selection.
Les XI probables
FC Supra du Québec : Milli; Auguste, Yeo, Chretien, Abzi; Bayiha, Biello, Sissoko; Choinière, Kwemi, Rea
Halifax Wanderers : Carducci, Godinho, Sow, Meilleur-Giguère, Alphonse, Bahamboula; Callegari, Johnston, Zitman; Telfer, Kachwele.
KEY QUOTES
"We have a 28-game season, there's still a lot of soccer to play. Last year, Forge went undefeated in their first 20 games, but in the end Ottawa won the championship. The important thing is to stay true to our style of play, to what we want to implement," FC Supra du Québec head coach Nick Razzaghi
"We lost the last game, but the team played well. We need to maintain this mindset. I was in Halifax last year. I know a lot of people there, but on Friday, they're the opponents." FC Supra du Québec midfielder Alessandro Biello
