

Posted by

Stuart Mactaggart ,

September 30, 2014 Email

Stuart Mactaggart

On Twitter:

@FuryFanatic_Mac

First Thoughts

Ottawa will take on Atlanta for the second time in ten days on Wednesday as they continue to search for their first win at TD Place. Ottawa played a fantastic game against Minnesota on Sunday that left the Fury heartbroken after they were unable to claim any points. However, their performance against the league leaders will likely help heading into this midweek match. Following the loss to United, Head Coach Marc Dos Santos said “It’s going to take a miracle” to make the playoffs now. That said, if there is one thing the Fury squad has an abundance of, it’s faith.



Keep Thinking

The second of three matches in seven games, Fury gaffer Marc Dos Santos will likely see this match vs Atlanta as the club’s best chance to get three points this week. However, the Fury starting XI will be different from the one that beat Atlanta 3-0 a week ago. We could see as many as four or five changes to the squad as Dos Santos looks to adjust for fatigued players and thinks about an upcoming game in Texas on Saturday.



Sinisa Ubiparipovic will likely be rested on Wednesday night and replaced with Nicki Paterson. Meanwhile the forward line could see many different combinations of attackers, as the team’s striking depth is becoming important down the stretch. Tommy Heinemann had possibly his best game of the season on Sunday. However, this is the type of match you could expect to see Vini Dantas start up front. Davies could find his way back into the starting lineup midweek as well as he has seen little game time since Oliver has found success on the right wing.



The depth of the squad will be tested as Dos Santos will need to use his subs wisely; ensuring fatigued players are not over worked and are ready to play again in three days. If the Fury control the game heading into the second half, we could see Jarun and Mauro getting game time, as Ryan and Trafford will likely be saved for the road trip. Both Ryan and Trafford have put in full shifts for the entire season, with Ryan only missing a game through injury, and ensuring they are fit for the final few games of the season will be important to ensuring that Ottawa finish their inaugural season strong.



Final Thoughts

This midweek match will be a big test for the character of the Fury squad as they look to rebound off a heartbreaking loss that saw their playoff chances drift away. Marc Dos Santos has touted the strength of character in the squad and he will likely be looking for a big response from them on Wednesday night. The squad had a lot of confidence heading into the weekend and, although they didn’t get the result they wanted, they still played a fantastic game and created a lot of chances and will look to carry that approach and mentality through the week.



Prediction

Ottawa Fury 4-1 Atlanta Silverbacks