Toronto are expected to welcome back Altidore and Giovinco, both of whom missed the previous match with slight knocks. Defensively, Toronto are expected to continue with a 3 man defense, with Moor, Mavinga and Zavaleta working well. Beitashour is pressing for a start ahead of Hasler in right wing-back role, in midfield Vazquez and Delgado will be expected to push forward to support the strikers. The hosts are big favorites to take all 3 points, the handicap of -1.25 will be difficult to overcome but the hosts will be confident of getting the win. Unbeaten in 14 home matches, Toronto have managed 15 goals in their last 4 home matches and will be motivated to beat a fierce rival. The competition for places is getting the best out of the players, ensuring standards remain high. The 3.25 goals line seems fairly placed, with Toronto expected to dominate the ball from the start. Their opponents will set up to frustrate and play on the counter, which means that an early goal for Toronto would be significant. Toronto have scored 15 goals in 4 home games, an early lead would increase the chances of over 3 goals being scored and make the game more stretched.
Montreal Impact continue to have doubts over the availability of Mancosu and Oduro, with both being assessed. Defensively, a change in the right back role is possible, Duvall could start ahead of Camara. In midfield, Piette has been favored ahead of Donadel lately, with Dzemaili and Bernier given the freedom to attack. The loss of Mancosu has enabled Jackson-Hamel to start. Montreal are not expected to win this match and face a major test, the handicap of +1.25 seems fair when considering the form of both sides. Montreal have lost their last 4 matches which included a defeat to the hosts, giving Toronto a psychological advantage. Motivation should not be an issue as Montreal need the win to maintain playoff hopes and they face a fierce rival. The visitors will look to use the counter-attack and will prefer a tight contest. The 3.25 goals line seems fair and will be dependent on an early goal being scored, particularly by the hosts as this would force a change in approach. Montreal need wins in order to maintain their hopes of reaching the playoffs, which could result in an open match in the later stages if the score remains level.
Verdict & Prediction
The mood in the Toronto team is excellent at the moment, as they sit comfortably top of the Eastern Conference and won their last match 0-4. Toronto are unbeaten in 11 league matches and the players are determined to extend this sequence, competition for places kept players motivated. Toronto are yet to taste defeat at BMO Field this season, with the unbeaten streak standing at 14 games. Toronto have scored 15 goals in their last 4 home matches, the players will be expecting a positive result. Up against a fierce rival, motivation should not be an issue for the hosts.
Prediction: Toronto FC – 1.25 Asian Handicap
Odds: 1.88 Pinnacle, 1.89 SBOBET (1.91 at Pinnacle, when sent to premium subscribers)
