CF Montreal VS. Philadelphia Union MLS Preview and Prediction
You can be forgiven if you think Saturday’s MLS clash between CF Montreal and the visiting Philadelphia Union at Stade Saputo resembles a dumpster fire. The teams taking the pitch at 2:30 p.m. ET are two of the worst sides in MLS right now.
Montreal sits 13th in the East with one win and five losses in six matches. The club has conceded 17 goals and currently sports a -10 differential, both second-worst in the league. The club hopes its first home match of the season can spark some life.
Meanwhile, Philadelphia is the only winless (0-0-6) team in MLS. They’ve conceded 11 goals and scored just four.
CF Montreal vs. Philadelphia Union Odds and Betting Trends
The current MLS betting odds reflect the dreadful nature of this matchup. Both teams are currently listed at +160 on the moneyline, with a draw sitting at +250.
The over/under is set at 2.5 goals, with the over priced at -143. Montreal is averaging four goals combined with its opponents through six MLS matches. Meanwhile, Philadelphia and its opponents have combined to score three or more goals in three of the club’s last four matches.
CF Montreal
Montreal has endured a difficult start, though offensively, it has seen some spark from Prince Owusu and Wilkelman Carmona – who have seven goals combined.
The biggest issue up top is that those two are the only players to score through six MLS matches for the club. Montreal needs other scoring threats to keep opposing defences honest.
Several key injuries could impact Saturday’s match. Sunusi Ibrahim (back), Bode Hidalgo (lower body), Brayan Vera (lower body) and Josh-Duc Nteziryayo are all out, while Fabian Herbers (ankle) remains sidelined as well. Ivan Losenko is suspended for this match.
Philadelphia Union
Philadelphia has qualified for the MLS playoffs eight out of the last 10 seasons, and the club went 20-8-6 last season, so this year’s 0-6-0 start – one of the worst in league history – is even more alarming. The team is putrid both home and away, with three losses each.
Four goals in six matches just won’t cut it. Danley Jean Jacques, Milan Iloski, Indiana Vassilev and Augustin Anello each have one goal for Philly, while Frankie Westfield and Alejandro Bedoya have two assists apiece. Basically, if you mention Philadelphia’s offence, someone will most likely respond with the LeBron James fake-scared meme.
Furthermore, Anello (hamstring), Quinn Sullivan (ACL tear), and Ezekiel Alladoh (special leave) are all unavailable.
Goalkeeper concerns and defensive absences have left the backline exposed. These gaps in attacking creativity and defensive stability make it difficult for Philadelphia to pick up points anywhere right now.
MLS Prediction: Who Will Win CF Montreal vs. Philadelphia Union?
The safest prediction, given the current ineptitude of the two sides involved, may be a scoreless draw. Philadelphia can’t score and Montreal can’t defend, so we’ll see what gives.
This is the first of three consecutive home matches for Montreal, which has been on the road all season. There will be some good vibes, and either Owusu or Carmona is a good bet to find the back of the net.
Can Philadelphia score against Montreal’s porous defence? We’ll say yes, but it won’t be enough as the hosts prevail 2-1.