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Ottawa Fury FC will host basement dweller, and league run Atlanta Silverbacks on Wednesday evening in an important midweek match for the Canadian club. Fury are on a hot eight game undefeated streak, most recently coming off a 4-2 win at home that included two fantastic Richie Ryan free – kick goals. A win for Ottawa would put them clear atop the NASL Fall Season standings, a new height for the club, overtaking Canadian rivals FC Edmonton for the number one spot.
Last time these two clubs met in the Spring Season they drew 1-1 in Atlanta, however Fury have since tightened up defensively and found consistent form. Atlanta current sit bottom of the NASL combine standings with just twelve points from thirteen games, but they will not be an opponent Fury will take lightly.
Keep Thinking
This match is the second of three in eight days for Ottawa, meaning it will be a test for the squads depth and fitness. Julian De Guzman left Sundays match at half time and isn’t expected to start, instead Eustaquio will likely get the start alongside Richie Ryan in the midfield, with Haworth expected to start just ahead of them. With a match against Carolina coming up there will be some changes to the squad that defeated Indy Eleven four days ago. The back four will likely remain unchanged while Heinemann is expected to get the start once again.
Heinemann has scored three goals in three matches so far this Fall Season and he will certainly be looking to extend his hot streak with another strong performance mid – week. Andrew Wiedeman and Aly Hassan will be available for selection but will likely feature as a substitute or saved for Sunday. Dos Santos has said he doesn’t want to rotate too many players and risk losing the chemistry the squad has built over recent matches. Ottawa Fury for once have a fairly fit squad with a lot of bodies available for selection. Nicki Paterson remains the only long term injury, having just had surgery on a torn ACL.
In The End
Fury have a fantastic opportunity to go top of the Fall Season and put themselves in serious contention for a post season berth. Their form recently has been outstanding, and has helped the defense set NASL records and set up Peiser as a serious candidate for Golden Glove award. Heinemann has found a scoring touch for the front line, however he will need support for wingers and other strikers if Fury want to continue winning matches, with the squad relying heavily on goals from the midfield and defense. As usual it has been Ryan driving the team through the midfield with the club going 4-1-0 so for this year with the Irishman in the line up.
Prediction:
Ottawa Fury 3-0 Atlanta Silverbacks
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