• Atlético Ottawa, despite their defeat last week, remain in the top four. HFX Wanderers, on the other hand, have been slowly climbing the table and sit just outside of the playoff spots in 5th.
  • The Wanderers (12 matches played) trail Ottawa (11 matches played) by a single point – 17 and 18 points respectively.
  • Three points in Nova Scotia would, despite this early stage of the season, be a statement victory in the race for playoff qualification.
• Malcolm Shaw’s 81st-minute header was enough to overcome Thursday’s hosts when the two teams met at TD Place back in April.
  • His goal was assisted by Miguel Acosta who, in his second season in the Canadian capital, continues to develop as a crucial member of Ottawa’s back line (21 tackles so far this year – second-most in the league).
• HFX Wanderers’ fortunes have been sporadic in recent weeks, picking up three wins (and nine points) in their last six games.
  • The Wanderers have bounced back from each defeat with a victory, including an impressive 3-0 performance at the home of defending CPL champions Pacific FC (Victoria, BC) last time out.
• Record head-to-head (all time): 2W-2D-4L; 9 goals scored, 12 goals conceded

Carlos González, Atlético Ottawa Head Coach

“We have to improve and approach the game differently to the way we have in recent games. We aren’t in a bad moment, but we’re in a moment we need to react. The teams behind us are pushing, Halifax are improving. This is a big testing point for us because we come from a dynamic where we haven’t scored in the last two games and we need to show our best face again. It’s an important game, but it’s still a long season still.”