The highly anticipated clash between CF Montreal and New York Red Bulls in Major League Soccer is set for Wednesday at Stade Saputo.
This match promises excitement as both teams look to secure crucial points in the Eastern Conference. Here’s an in-depth look at the prediction, team form, news, and more.
Team Form and Recent Performances
CF Montreal
CF Montreal enters this match on a solid run, having stretched their unbeaten streak to four matches.
Their latest outing resulted in a 0-0 draw against Real Salt Lake. Laurent Courtois's squad sits just two points below the playoff line with a game in hand over the teams directly above them, Chicago Fire and DC United.
Montreal's home form has been particularly impressive, with the team claiming points in three successive fixtures at Saputo Stadium.
They have managed to keep clean sheets in two of those matches, highlighting a significant improvement in their defensive capabilities.
New York Red Bulls
The New York Red Bulls have also shown resilience, avoiding back-to-back league defeats all season.
They currently sit third in the Eastern Conference standings with 30 points, just three victories shy of their total from last season.
Despite recent struggles in front of goal, as evidenced by their 0-0 draw against Nashville SC, the Red Bulls remain a formidable opponent.
However, their away form poses a challenge. The Red Bulls have lost their last two away matches, and all four of their league defeats this season have come on the road. They will need to overcome this away form to secure a win in Montreal.
Team News and Lineups
CF Montreal
Montreal will be without several key players due to injuries and international duties. Raheem Edwards is out with a knock, Jules-Anthony Vilsaint is sidelined with a hamstring strain, and Ousman Jabang is dealing with an adductor issue.
Additionally, Josef Martinez is unavailable due to a knee injury. Key players like Mathieu Choiniere, Joel Waterman, and Samuel Piette are with the Canadian national team for the Copa America, while Ariel Lassiter is representing Costa Rica.
Possible Starting Lineup: Sirois; Campbell, Corbo, Alvarez; Ruan, Saliba, Wanyama, Lappalainen; Duke, Yankov; Coccaro
New York Red Bulls
The Red Bulls face their own injury concerns with Ronald Donkor, Roald Mitchell, and Serge Ngoma all out. Peter Stroud continues to recover from ankle surgery, and Carlos Coronel is unavailable due to international duty with Paraguay.
Key forward Lewis Morgan is with the Scottish national team, and Emil Forsberg did not return on time from his call-up with Sweden.
Possible Starting Lineup: Meara; D. Nealis, S. Nealis, Eile, Tolkin; Harper, Amaya, Edelman, Forsberg; Vanzeir, Manoel
Prediction: Who Will Win?
Given the current form and squad depth, the New York Red Bulls might edge this encounter.
Their ability to rebound quickly after disappointing results and Montreal's key absences could tip the scales in favour of the visitors.
A narrow victory for the Red Bulls seems plausible.
Our Prediction: CF Montreal 0-1 New York Red Bulls
Montréal 
New York RB 
