CF Montreal vs. Philadelphia Union Prediction, Preview and Odds - 10/16/21
Club de Foot Montreal vs. Philadelphia Union
The MLS betting action continues Saturday, October 16, so we’re taking a closer look at the Eastern Conference showdown between Club de Foot Montreal and Philadelphia Union. These two foes meet for the second time in 2021 after playing a 1-1 draw at Subaru Park in Chester back in August. Montreal is winless in three straight meetings with Philadelphia and will try to snap that skid as a slight +115 home fave in this one.
Club de Foot Montreal beat Atlanta to avoid its third straight loss
After a 2-1 defeat at the Columbus Crew and a heavy 4-1 home loss to the New England Revolution, Club de Foot Montreal returned to the right track with a 2-1 home win over Atlanta United on October 2. They haven’t played since then, so head coach Wilfried Nancy has had enough time to prepare his team for the Union clash.
The 30-year-old winger Romell Quioto scored a brace against Atlanta and helped Montreal to overcome a 1-0 deficit. He’s now the team’s top goalscorer, as Quioto is enjoying a nice season with eight goals and five assists in 17 appearances. Winger Joaquin Torres has recorded four goals and six dishes through 22 games, while midfielder Djordje Mihailovic is the team’s best assist-maker with 11 dimes in 28 apps.
Following that win to Atlanta, Club de Foot Montreal is sitting at the seventh spot of the Eastern Conference with 40 points from 28 games (W11, D7, L10) and a 40:37 goal difference. They’ve won three of their last five home contests along with a pair of losses.
Philadelphia is unbeaten in five straight outings
The Philadelphia Union are coming off a 2-1 road victory at FC Cincinnati this past Saturday. It was their second win on the spin and fourth over their previous five games overall along with a 1-1 road draw against the New York Red Bulls.
Kacper Przybylko broke the deadlock in Cincinnati, tallying his tenth goal in the 28th MLS appearance this term. The 28-year-old striker is the team’s best goalscorer, while forward Sergio Santos has added five goals and three assists in 25 appearances.
The Union are now laying at the third spot of the Eastern Conference table with 45 points from 28 games (W12, D9, L7) and a 38:27 goal difference. In its last five showings on the road, Philadelphia has recorded one win and a pair of draws and losses to go with a 6:8 goal difference.
The Pick: HT or FT Draw
As I’ve mentioned above, Montreal is winless in three straight meetings with Philadelphia, earning just a draw in that stretch. This time, the hosts certainly stand a chance, though Philadelphia has played very well over the last few weeks.
Frankly, this game could easily go three-way, considering a huge stake for both sides. Montreal is only a point ahead of the No. 8 seed, while Philadelphia still has some work to do before clinching the playoff spot. Hereof, I think we’ll see a stalemate at halftime or the end of the game.
Philadelphia owns the best scoring defense in the Eastern Conference. The Union have still conceded in three of their last five outings at any location. Also, Philadelphia failed to keep its net intact in 11 consecutive games on the road in all competitions.
On the other side, Club de Foot Montreal has allowed ten goals in its last six games in all competitions while scoring 13 in a return. Seven of their previous nine home contests saw both teams finding the back of the net, so I’m expecting more of the same Saturday against Philadelphia.
Total: Both Teams to Score YES
Philadelphia owns the best scoring defense in the Eastern Conference. The Union have still conceded in three of their last five outings at any location. Also, Philadelphia failed to keep its net intact in 11 consecutive games on the road in all competitions.
On the other side, Club de Foot Montreal has allowed ten goals in its last six games in all competitions while scoring 13 in a return. Seven of their previous nine home contests saw both teams finding the back of the net, so I’m expecting more of the same Saturday against Philadelphia.