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The Montreal Impact host FC Dallas at Stade Saputo: Two Slumping Teams Looking for a Break

What could have been a ''top of the league'' match up ,a month ago ,has now become a game of slumping teams. The Montreal Impact host FC Dallas as both teams are desperate for the big W.

By Sofiane Benzaza Updated
USA TODAY Sports

Two teams that might have peaked too early, two teams that are looking to get back to winning. The media attention around the Montreal Impact has not been the most positive but the club is staying united. As false rumors went around that Marco Schallibaum would be replaced, President Joey Saputo rallied the troops and kept the attention focused on the positives of the season.

The winning-less streak of four games needs to stop for Montreal and it has to start against FC Dallas; at least for the Impact's sake. As FC Dallas comes to Montreal after a 3-0 loss to Real Salt Lake , it will be looking to keep it simple at Stade Saputo. Also with 31 points, Dallas must be doing something good and definitely has the assets to take on Les Bleus de Montreal.

Game Notes

Montreal Impact

As Marco Di Vaio will most probably not be starting or be available for the game, we can expect the Impact to make a formation change. At the least, Marco Schallibaum will have a look at different formations and players combinations.

Daniele Paponi will be the main target for Patrice Bernier and co. But the "other" Italian striker will need help and that will include the wingers. With Justin Mapp back in form and Sanna Nyassi available, the sides will need to be very active to support the offensive enterprises of the home team.

Expecting to see Davy Arnaud and Patrice Bernier patrol the middle of the pitch, the offensive link will be Felipe Martins, if the Brazilian is fit for the game.

Montreal cannot afford to give space in the midfield or between the lines as it did since the 4-3 loss to the Colorado Rapids.

FC Dallas: looking for results

With the return of George John, the visiting team will have a strong smart central defender. Being a vocal leader, he will be able to rally a FC Dallas defense that will try to suck in the Impact into a physical matchup. John is also a big danger on set-pieces, something that Montreal has had trouble defending lately.

Offensively, Kenny Cooper leads the charge supported by the speedy and talented, Fabian Castillo. But Castillo will be suspended for the game against the Impact, for yellow card accumulation. The 3-0 loss to Real Salt Lake is indicative of RSL's quality but FC Dallas was not bad at all.

Having scored 12 away goals this season, Dallas has the syndrome of not being the most efficient club. But the desperation of needing a win, or at least not losing, might overcome the club's inability to score goals.

Andrew Jacobson, Michel and David Ferreira will patrol the Dallas midfield. Jacobson and Michel will face-off against Bernier and Arnaud as Ferreira will handle the playmaking behind Cooper.

Pre-Game Questions

Did FC Dallas read the blueprints left by the Colorado Rapids?

I hope not for the Impact's sake but the club seems refocused and already conscious that this skid needs to stop.

Is it time to unleash the wing play of the Montreal Impact?

It is time for Blake Smith to start his first MLS game

What are you Pre-Game Questions, Concerns?


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