MONTREAL — Something has to give.
Maybe it'll be the Montreal Impact's perfect 2-0 start to the MLS season. Maybe it'll be Toronto FC who will come crashing down to earth after last week's 2-1 upset win over Sporting Kansas City.
Or maybe just as likely the teams will battle to a stalemate, thus ensuring positive vibes in both camps for at least another week.
Whatever happens, it's sure to be an entertaining affair when the Impact host TFC on Saturday afternoon before an expected crowd of 36,000 fans at Olympic Stadium.
Here are some storylines and other interesting tidbits to keep in mind ahead of Saturday's contest.
Canadian derby
Nicknamed the "401 Derby" after the stretch of highway that connects the two cities, the Impact vs. TFC rivalry pre-dates MLS, the clubs having faced each other in the Canadian club championship before Montreal joined the league last year.
Several thousand fans from Toronto will make the five-hour drive to Montreal to attend the match, leading to what should be an electric atmosphere in the Big O.
"It's a derby match, it's a huge crowd, it's incredible how many fans are coming (from Toronto). You don't really need to talk about getting up for it. The players will be motivated themselves by the occasion," TFC coach Ryan Nelsen said.
The Impact are off to a flying start to the season, having opened the campaign with two road games. Wins in Seattle and Portland, not the easiest places to pick up points, were secured by the Impact, who are looking to make a good impression before their fans in their home opener.
Confidence abounds in the Montreal camp, and though emotions may be running high with this being a Canadian derby, the Impact insist this is just another game.
"We approach this like a (regular) home game, regardless of what's happened in the past or the game before. It's all about the next result and the next game," Impact midfielder Davy Arnaud said.
Clash of styles?
Against Seattle and Portland, Montreal routinely put all 11 players behind the ball in their half of the field when not in possession, making it very difficult for their opponents to break through. Scoring chances were been few and far between, though it has to be said the Impact made the most of them, using the counter attack to catch teams off guard.
Arnaud explained the defensive tactics had more to do with the fact they were difficult road contests. With Montreal set to play its home opener, Impact fans can expect coach Marco Schallibaum's side to show more creativity and attack with more purpose.
"Now we're at home and we want to dictate a little bit more and control more of what's happening, and not just have the defence block everything because at one point you can only block so much and then you're going to crack," midfielder Patrice Bernier offered.
In its win over Kansas City, TFC pressed their opponents high up the field, preventing Sporting from building out from the back and forcing turnovers.
With Montreal committed to playing a more attacking game, TFC could find the tables turned on them Saturday, with the Impact pressuring them inside their half of the field.
Nelsen promised his team will be ready to deal with it.
"We dealt with a Kansas City team that pressured us. They're renowned for being the best pressuring team in the league. … We know what Montreal's strengths and weaknesses are," Nelsen said.
Say what?
"We're winning so everything is always goo when you win. It's going well, defensively we've been very strong. Even offensively we've created chances; we've been efficient. The only thing we need to work on is keeping the ball to relieve pressure from the defence." — Montreal midfielder Patrice Bernier.
"You should never get too high or too low in any situation. Football evolves, and if you pat yourself on the back it's gone. … You've got to always think about the next step and what's ahead. (Kansas City) is done and buried. Now we only concentrate on Montreal." — Toronto coach Ryan Nelsen.
Facts and stats
– TFC and the Impact played each other three times last season, with each side earning a win and playing to a draw.
– These teams will face each other twice more this season on July 3 and Oct. 26, with both matches in Toronto.
– Infamous referee Baldomero Toledo will be in charge of Saturday's match. Toledo has officiated 147 matches during his career, handing out 48 red cards and awarding 53 penalties.
This and that
Nelsen told reporters at the team hotel Friday night that a deal with the young Argentine forward they've been tracking in "virtually done." The club is believed to be in talks with Maximiliano Urruti of Argentine club Newell's Old Boys.
Although Nelsen didn't say it, from reading between the lines, expect him to use the same starting line-up he used in last week's win over Kansas City, including backup goalkeeper Joe Bendik, even though Stefan Frei has recovered from his broken nose and is fit to play.
Injury report
Midfielder Sinisa Ubiparipovic (calf), and defender Nelson Rivas (knee) are out for Montreal, while midfielder Justin Mapp (calf) is questionable.
Midfielders Julio Cesar and Luis Silva are still recovering from injuries and did not travel to Montreal. Neither did rookie forward Emery Welshman, although he was fit and simply lost his place on the game-day roster with the return of forward Justin Braun from a concussion injury.
What's next
After Saturday's game, the Impact host the New York Red Bulls on March 23. Toronto has a bye next week, and returns to action on March 30 when it hosts the LA Galaxy at BMO Field.
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