The Winnipeg Blue Bombers begin a daunting journey to try to play as a rare host team in the Grey Cup when they face the host Montreal Alouettes on Saturday in the CFL East semifinal.

Just one Grey Cup host team in the past 10 seasons has managed to advance to the title tilt — the 2021 Hamilton Tiger-Cats, who lost to Winnipeg in overtime in the championship showdown.

The Blue Bombers entered the year as favourites to play in the Grey Cup at home after reaching the CFL final the past five seasons. But Winnipeg (10-8) was no better than so-so after starting the year 3-0, eventually settling for a crossover playoff berth.

The Alouettes had the same 10-8 record, but enter the playoffs with more momentum after winning five of their last six regular-season games, including a 5-0 mark with un

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