MLS odds: New York Red Bulls vs. CF Montreal MLS prediction
The brand new MLS season presses on with the third matchday this weekend, as the New York Red Bulls play at Sports Illustrated Stadium for the second time this year against a struggling CF Montreal. The Red Bulls are the number one team in the East and the only side in the conference with two wins so far, while Montreal sits in last place and is still awaiting its first win and breakthrough goal. The Red Bulls will be licking their chops for this one.
Check out all the latest MLS odds.
New York Red Bulls vs. CF Montreal MLS betting
Historically, this matchup has been close, as the Red Bulls lead with 16 wins to Montreal’s 12, with only four draws in 32 meetings. However, two of their last five meetings have ended in 2-2 draws, while New York has claimed victory in their last two straight meetings, both shutouts.
The Red Bulls could be one of the better underdog picks to win the MLS Cup this season (+2500) and will likely make the playoffs this year with several young additions made to their team. They are solid -185 home favourites for this matchup, with Montreal (+7500 to win the Cup) priced at +420 given their harsh start to the season. A draw is set for +320.
CF Montreal
Montreal has seemingly done nothing yet to turn around their horrid season last year that saw them out of the playoffs in 13th place with a -26 GD. They are at the bottom of the Eastern Conference after two games with the worst GD once again at -8, after allowing five in their first game against San Diego FC and three the next game against the Chicago Fire. They have yet to break the ice with their first goal, although they also haven’t touched their home turf.
The Canadian side has only managed to fire off eight shots in total this season, showcasing a lack of attacking third progression as well as finishing. They had the second-lowest goals-for count last season, which seems to be continuing in this campaign, as only Prince-Osei Owusu (+230 to score) led with 13 goals. Daniel Ríos comes close as the next highest team goalscorer at +370 odds.
New York Red Bulls
In contrast to Montreal, the Red Bulls come out of the gates firing compared to last season, as they are undefeated with three goals to their name and one shutout. They took out Orlando City on February 21, before snagging a 1-0 victory over the Revolution last weekend after dishing out 11 shots with four on target. Julian Hall was the difference maker in both games, recording all three goals and two game-winners to set the Red Bulls atop the East.
While Hall (+120) leads the MLS in scoring as one of two players with three goals so far, Eric Choupo-Moting takes the top-most likely goalcoring spot at +100 after netting 17 last season. Emil Forsberg follows up at +155 after reaching 11 goals in the regular season last campaign. Many players are looking for their opening goal of the season, which is more than likely to occur tonight, given their shaky defensive opponent, Montreal.
MLS Prediction: Who Will Win New York Red Bulls vs. CF Montreal?
The Red Bulls will win this one. They’ve fired off 33 shots with 20 on target in just two games, against decent opponents, while averaging one goal per game allowed. Now, against a team that has shown no life, it’s only a matter of time before the Red Bulls break through. On top of that, they boast a home-field advantage and are set to run away with this one for their third straight win of the season to top the Eastern Conference.
Expect at least a 3-0 win from New York this weekend, possibly more, so take the Red Bulls -1.5 (+135).