Montreal Impact v Toronto FC – MLS Betting Preview + Prediction
23 Apr 2016, Saputo Stadium, 20:00 GMT+0
Montreal have been in good form so far this season, winning four of their opening six games and the side currently sit in 4th positions in the overall table. They’ve hit double figures for goals as well with Drogba returning last week to add to the tally. The squad have won their last two but lost the two games previous to that so will be hoping to add some consistency to their game. The side have enjoyed some good individual performances from the likes of Piatti and Oduro being in good form so far this season. The latter has been able to step up into the team in the absence of Drogba and between him and Piatti they have scored 6 of the sides 10 goals this season as Montreal try and play the majority of games without their talisman striker.
Montreal Impact will be missing Andres Romero and Cameron Porter for the visit from Toronto, whilst Victor Cabrera may also be missing after picking up a head injury last weekend in the win over Chicago Fire. Evan Bush will continue on in goal whilst his defence will have to change slightly with the loss of Cabrera to injury. Wandrille Lefévre is the man expected to come in to the centre of defence alongside Laurent Ciman. Hassoun Camara is expected to keep his place at right back after two good displays recently whilst Donny Toia continuing at left back. Marco Donadel is expected to come into the centre of midfield at the expense of Eric Alexander with Kyle Bekker keeping his place after impressing in recent weeks. Dominic Oduro should drop deeper into a right wing role with Harry Shipp and Ignacio Piatti completing the midfield. With the game being played on real turf, Dider Drogba will be available for selection and should start after scoring within six minutes of coming on last weekend.
Toronto will come into the game hoping to build on the 1-0 win last weekend. It was their first win since the opening day of the season and the side will be hoping it will be the catalyst for some good form, although they didn’t look great in victory last weekend and struggled at times. The side will be playing their 7th away game in a row this weekend with their stadium still being renovated. The pressure and travelling involved with those games has seen Toronto slip to some disappointing results and they might struggle again against a in form Montreal side.
Toronto will be missing both Clement Simonin and Benoit Cheyrou for the trip to Montreal whilst Tsubasa Endoh is doubtful with a niggling injury.
Montreal will come into the game in good spirits after picking up a win last weekend against Chicago. Win against their rivals would’ve been a great boost to the squad as they hope to continue to stay near the top of the table. Take Montreal to deliver!
Prediction: Montreal Impact -0.50
Odds: 1.95
