Atlanta United's interim coach Rob Valentino says results are all that matter at this stage of the MLS season, with the Five Stripes and CF Montreal both in playoff contention ahead of Wednesday's head-to-head meeting.

Atlanta have drawn their last three MLS matches, sharing four goals equally with the Philadelphia Union last weekend, but they are just three points adrift of a wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference.

Montreal, meanwhile, are only outside the playoff picture by virtue of goal difference, having thrashed the San Jose Earthquakes 3-0 on Saturday.

Asked how he rated Atlanta's playoff hopes with three regular-season games remaining, Valentino said: "We'll see. We've got a home game coming up now against Montreal, and that game is one we've got to win.

"At this stage, we've said to the players that it's just about winning games. We'll see at the end where we're at.

"But we think that last point could be massive. It's not the way we want it to be, not exactly, but the players are showing great fight. Every point is massive at this stage."

Montreal have taken 10 points from their last four league games after losing each of their previous three, with their upturn since the Leagues Cup break convincing midfielder Bryce Duke of their postseason credentials.

"I've been thinking that we can make the playoffs since day one, even though we were going through a tough stretch, and I still think we can make playoffs," Duke said.

"With the performances that we've been giving I think that's just showed you and all the people out there that doubted us that we can do it, that we can prove people wrong."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Atlanta United – Saba Lobjanidze 

Lobjanidze has two goals in his last three outings, including one versus Philadelphia on Saturday. No current Atlanta player can match his eight league goals this term, while his three assists are also a joint-high among Five Stripes players.

CF Montreal – Bryce Duke

Duke had two assists as Montreal thrashed the 'Quakes last weekend, for Josef Martinez and Caden Clark. No Montreal player can match his 38 chances created in MLS play this year.

MATCH PREDICTION – ATLANTA UNITED WIN

Laurent Courtois' visitors enter this game high on confidence following back-to-back wins, but their away record leaves plenty to be desired.

Indeed, they are winless in their last 12 regular-season road matches, drawing four and losing eight, while conceding multiple goals in each of their last eight on their travels.

Atlanta, meanwhile, have only lost one of their six home league games since June 2, going down to Nashville SC earlier this month (two wins, three draws).

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Atlanta United – 52%

CF Montreal – 23.5%

Draw – 24.5%