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Ottawa Fury FC will host FC Edmonton on Friday evening in an important match for both clubs. It will be the third installment of the Canadian rivalry this season, but first in the North American Soccer League, with FC Edmonton coming away 3-1 winners in both legs of the Voyageurs Cup.
Fury are coming off a big win against Indy Eleven last weekend, while Edmonton come off a jam packed schedule that included two rounds of the Voyageurs Cup and weekend NASL matches. A win for either team will give them vital points that will help get them off the bottom half of the standings, but Fury will certainly be looking for vengeance after falling apart in the first meeting between the two clubs this year.
Keep Thinking
FC Edmonton could be without leading scorer Tomi Ameobi, who picked up a knock last weekend, however Ottawa native Eddie Edwards is expected to make the trip with Alberta club. Fury FC will be without Tom Heinemann and captain Richie Ryan this weekend, as they join Oliver and Phil Davies on the list of injuries.
Andrew Wiedeman should return to action for Ottawa Fury this weekend after missing the match against Indy Eleven, with Paulo Jr and Haworth likely starting on the wings. Nicki Paterson and Mason Trafford were both named to the NASL Team of the Week, making the decision for Fury gaffer Marc Dos Santos to include them in the starting line up somewhat easier.
In The End
FC Edmonton have been very strong offensively but are also allowing a lot of goals against. It will be important that Ottawa Fury take their chances and limit the Eddies scoring opportunities. The Fury defense has been much stronger and more consistent since the last time these two clubs met but have still been lacking that offensive touch they need to put away games.
Last weekend’s win will certainly fill the Fury squad with confidence heading into the match, but that was also the case the first time these clubs met; with Ottawa coming off a 1-0 win at home against Minnesota United at that time around. This will as much be a physical battle on the pitch as it will be a battle or will and determination. Both squads will have to show up physically and mentally strong if they are to walk away victors.
Prediction:
Ottawa Fury 2-1 FC Edmonton
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