CF Montreal VS. NYCFC MLS Preview and Prediction
CF Montreal have had great success against New York clubs this season, but not so much against anyone else.
Following a 4-1 dismantling of the New York Red Bulls, Montreal will get their second straight crack at a New York side when they host NYCFC Saturday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. ET.
Montreal have already swept the season series against the Red Bulls, taking a 3-0 decision in Harrison, New Jersey, last month. Prince Owusu continued his strong early start, scoring on a penalty kick and assisting on the other three goals.
NYCFC will try to erase the sting of blowing a two-goal lead in extra time at home to Cincinnati on Wednesday. Nicolas Fernandez Mercau had a brace and upped his goal total on the season to eight, but New York extended their winless streak in MLS play to five (0-3-2) matches.
CF Montreal vs. NYCFC Odds and Betting Trends
NYCFC are the favourites on the MLS odds, despite being on the road, at +140. Montreal sit at +170, while a draw is listed at +260.
The over/under is set at 2.5 goals, with the over priced at -143. Montreal and their opponents are combining for an average of four goals per game, while NYCFC and their opponents average 3.8 combined.
CF Montreal
Montreal pounded the Red Bulls, winning the season series 7-1, but here’s the problem: the club is 0-6 against everyone else, scoring just five goals while conceding 19.
Allowing 2.5 goals per game will consistently produce losses over the course of the season. It already cost coach Marco Donadel his job, as Phillippe Eullaffroy was handed the reins ahead of the victory over the Red Bulls.
Owusu has five goals and three assists a year after he had a career-best 13 goals and five assists in his first season with the club. One of his offensive partners Wiki Carmona has three goals and two assists, but he is out with a muscle injury.
NYCFC
NYCFC started the season emphatically with three wins, but it’s been nothing but a whimper since. The only win in April came against Westchester SC in the U.S. Open Cup, and the team may rue blowing a two-goal lead against Cincinnati in extra time.
Fernandez Mercau has been one of the league’s best, as his eight goals are second in MLS. Mazi Moralez’s six assists are tied with three others for the league lead.
The four-goal explosion is hopeful, as the club had scored just four goals in its previous four MLS contests. However, Drew Baiera (leg), Alonso Martínez (leg), Max Murray (leg) and Andrés Perea (leg) are all out.
MLS Prediction: Who Will Win CF Montreal vs. NYCFC?
Unfortunately for Montreal, this is the wrong New York club, and unfortunately for NYCFC, Montreal isn’t Westchester SC. Still, go with the hot hand. Fernandez Mercau has scored in six of eight matches this season, including the last two. His ability to break down anyone in front of him should come in handy against a weak Montreal defensive unit.
Look for NYCFC to end their winless slide and take a 3-1 decision over Montreal.