This week marks the first of a back-to-back meeting between the Halifax Wanderers and Forge.

Both sides will be looking to assert their dominance on the fixture: Forge aiming to extend their win-streak through their strong defensive line, while Halifax look to reassert themselves and climb back into the top four.

How the Halifax Wanderers come into the match

The Wanderers will look to get back in the win column following a tough 2-1 loss to FC Supra last Friday. The Nova Scotians had their opportunities, but weren't clinical enough to get the points away from home. 

Vanni Sartini and staff will look to shore up their attacking presence and work on their finishing against a very stout Forge defence, who are yet to concede a goal through four weeks of CPL action. Set-pieces and corner kicks are another area in which the Wanderers will look to exploit the visitors' backline. 

How Forge come into the match

The Hammers will look to continue their dominance in CPL play: hard to break down defensively, and make the most of their offensive chances when they arrive. 

Following a 1-0 win away from home against Pacific, Forge will be heading to the Wanderers Grounds with a lot of confidence and belief in their ability to grind out results in their favour. That said, they've scored four goals in as many games, and finishing in the final third will be an area in which head coach Bobby Smyrniotis will look to improve on with his squad.

Last time out

Forge won 1-0 in a tightly contested game at Hamilton Stadium in September through Mo Babouli's late winner.

Availability

Lorenzo Calegari is fit after missing last week's match against Supra, while Ryan Telfer could be available as well.

No changes on Forge's end, other than Rezart Rama having served his one-match ban, making him available for Saturday's fixture.

Projected XIs

HFX Wanderers (4-4-2): Marco Carducci; Kareem Sow, Thomas Meilleur-Giguère, Finn Linder, Marcus Godinho; Francisco Troisi, Lucas Olguin, Sven Zitman, Isaiah Johnston; Miguel Arilla, Cyprian Kachwale

Forge FC (4-3-3): Dimitry Bertaud; Marko Jevremovic, Dan Nimick, Antoine Batisse, Rezart Rama; Ben Paton, Anthony Aromatario, Tristan Borges; Mo Babouli, Brian Wright, Hoce Massunda

Game information and how to watch

📆 Saturday, May 2, 2026
⏰ 3:00 pm AT / 2:00 pm ET
📺 OneSoccer, CBC Gem
🧑‍⚖️ Robert D'Alesio
🏟 Wanderers Ground, Halifax, Canada