CF Montreal on Cusp of Playoffs Ahead of Game with Union
The MLS weekend begins Saturday afternoon with a huge game in the Eastern Conference that will have playoff implications as CF Montreal host the Philadelphia Union. Both teams would make the playoffs if the season ended right now.
However, neither has officially secured a spot and could easily play themselves out of a playoff spot without a strong finish to the season.
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Betting Odds & Betting Lines
According to BetUS, Montreal is favored at home with +120 betting odds, while Philadelphia is listed at +230. For a draw, the betting odds are set at +245. Bovada has pretty similar odds; CF Montreal is priced at +125 to win, while Union is +225 to take the W. The draw is at +245.
As for those interested in totals betting, there is also an over/under of 2.5 total goals being scored.
Where They Stand
Philadelphia is in a slightly better position than Montreal as both teams approach the stretch run of the season. The Union is currently sitting third in the Eastern Conference with 45 points. But that only gives them a six-point cushion in terms of locking up a playoff spot, so as little as two or three losses could change Philly’s situation in a hurry.
Meanwhile, Montreal holds the seventh and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, heading into this weekend’s action. Of course, to look at it another way, the Canadian side is in a three-way tie for fifth place with DC United and NYCFC but are behind both clubs on goal differential. It’s also worth noting that there are three teams within six points of Montreal, so they could be out of a playoff spot by the end of the weekend if they don’t win on Saturday.
Any Traction?
In a way, it’s not surprising to see CF Montreal in the middle of the Eastern Conference standings because they have struggled to find consistency all year. It’s been a struggle for Montreal to string wins together this season, but they have a chance to do just that after knocking off Atlanta 2-1 in their last match. However, that’s Montreal’s only win in the club’s last three games, as they did not end September in great form.
The good news is that Honduran international Romell Quioto is peaking at the right time, scoring five goals in his last five games to become the club’s leading scorer on the season. He has helped fill the void left by Mason Toye, who hasn’t played since mid-August due to injury but had scored seven goals in 14 matches prior to getting hurt. Montreal is also heavily reliant on Djordje Mihailovic, one of the best midfielders in MLS who has tallied four goals and a team-high 11 assists this season.
Only Getting Better
Game-to-game consistency has been less of an issue for the Union, which is coming on strong at the right time. Ever since Philly got knocked out of CONCACAF Champions League and turned its full focus to the domestic season, the Union has won four and tied once in five matches. Even with some key players missing during last week’s road game in Cincinnati, the Union found a way to secure all three points.
Naturally, Philly should get a boost this weekend with the return of international players. Jamaican goalie Andre Blake is perhaps the most notable, as he’s one of the league’s best goalies and a big reason why the Union has conceded the third-fewest goals this season. Meanwhile, the Philly attack has started to come alive lately, scoring ten goals in five matches, with top scorer Kacper Przybylko responsible for four of those goals.
North of the Border
It’s not easy to go on the road this time of year, but the Union has proven that they can get results anywhere. With Blake and others back from international duty, Philadelphia will be close to full strength and ready to clamp down on Montreal. Bet on the Union to walk away with all three points in this matchup.
