Natasha Staniszewski’s CanPL picks

Happy Thursday guys. Natasha here, back with another CanPL preview ahead of the weekend.

When Easton Ongaro scored for Edmonton on Sunday I was hoping they’d be able to salvage at least a draw against Pacific, but it wasn’t meant to be. Pacific and Cavalry are both looking strong, sat at the top of the league, with Forge just three points behind.

And it’s the top two who go head to head at the Starlight Stadium tonight as we kick off my picks for the weekend.

Friday: Pacific vs. Cavalry

Natasha’s prediction: Cavalry win

This is going to be a tight affair and I can only see it being won by a single goal. Despite winning their last three, Pacific’s last defeat was handed to them by Cavalry, with Joe Mason netting both goals. 

He’s now scored five in his last five. His composure in front of goal is to be admired. Who else thinks he can do it again away from home?

Cavalry are undefeated in their last nine outings and have kept five clean sheets in their last seven games. I can see them keeping it tight at the back and hitting Pacific on the counter. I can see Cavalry just outscoring Pacific, who haven’t 

My prediction is a 2-1 win for Cavalry, Joe Mason to score the winner.

Saturday: Atletico Ottowa vs. HFX Wanderers

Natasha’s prediction: Draw

Things aren’t going well for Atletico Ottawa at the moment, but I’m expecting them to get something from their home game against HFX this weekend.

Atletico Ottawa’s last win in the CanPL came against HFX and Brian Wright has netted in both his previous outings against the Wanderers who themselves haven’t won away from home in their last nine attempts.

Atletico will have to thwart the league’s top goalscorer in João Morelli Neto who has nine in his 13 CanPL appearances this season. He could be a good choice to score anytime.

A win would see Atletico go just one point off Edmonton, but I think this one will be a 1-1 draw.

ComeOn! Game of the Week:

Saturday: Forge vs. York United

Natasha’s prediction: Forge win

Sitting just three points off top, with first and second playing each other later today, a win against York United could see Forge sit second in the CanPL by the end of the weekend.

With a run of four home games coming up, they go into this run of fixtures having picked up 12 points from a possible 15.

It’s that man Woobens Pacius who was the difference last time out against Atletico Ottawa and he’s now netted four time in his last four outings.

Forge have scored 13 times in their last five games at Tim Hortons Field and if you’re looking for more goals this weekend, I think this is the place you’re going to find them.

I’m leaning towards a 3-1 win for Forge with Woobens Pacius to score at some point during the game.