DC United vs. CF Montreal Prediction, Preview, and Odds - 8/8/21
One of the most important MLS matches of the week will take place on Sunday when DC United hosts CF Montreal. DC United has not lost in its last four matches and is coming off an impressive 4-2 win over defending champs Columbus. Montreal has not won its last four matches—it played to a 2-2 draw against Atlanta on Wednesday.
CF Montreal needs this victory
CF Montreal is now teetering on the edge of the playoff picture. It is one point behind both DC United and Columbus, so picking up at least one point on Sunday is essential. Montreal is sitting in eighth place, which puts it one spot back of the final playoff position. It has dropped out of the playoff picture due to a winless stretch over its last four matches. Montreal lost three straight contests by exactly one goal prior to notching a 2-2 draw against Atlanta on Wednesday. It will be disappointed with that result, though, as it held a 2-0 lead before allowing consecutive goals down the stretch.
Montreal needs to shore up some issues away from home, where it has picked up just eight of its 23 points this season. It will be without goalkeeper Clement Diop, who is out with a thigh injury. Winger Ballou Tabla is also out due to a groin issue. Romell Quioto has not played since he was injured with the Honduras national team last month. Rudy Camacho and Victor Wanyama both picked up red cards against Atlanta, so they will be out. Camacho scored one of the team’s goals in that match, while Mason Toye added the other.
DC United moving up in the standings
DC United has only lost one match since the beginning of July, which has allowed them to move up the Eastern Conference table. It has a pair of draws and a pair of wins in its last four matches. DC United picked up a 1-0 win over the New York Red Bulls on July 25 and then added a 4-2 win over Columbus on Wednesday. It played to a 0-0 draw at Cincinnati in between those wins. DC United is currently tied with Columbus for the final playoff spot, but it owns the tiebreaker, putting them in sixth place.
It is one point ahead of Montreal, so getting one point would not be the end of the world. Ola Kamara was able to notch a first-half brace in the win over the Crew, while Yordy Reyna added a brace of his own. The Black and Red led by three goals at halftime before allowing Columbus back into the match momentarily. They have won their last three matches in front of their home crowd. DC United enters this match with the best defensive home record in the division, but it is looking for its first win over Montreal since 2019. Joseph Mora will be back for DC United after serving a one-game suspension.
Spread (DC United -130)
Recent form is an incredibly important factor when predicting the winner of a soccer match. DC United is certainly in much better form heading into this one. It has not only gone unbeaten in its last four matches, but it has also won its last three at home. Montreal has been one of the worst road teams in the MLS this season and has no momentum right now. Another key issue is injuries and suspensions, as Montreal will be without multiple key players on Sunday. DC United will strengthen its playoff position in this match.
Total (Over 2.5)
There is not much margin for error if you take the under 2.5 goals on Sunday. DC United has been playing too well for me to back the under in this one. I understand it is one of the strongest defensive teams in the MLS, but its offense has been rolling as well. Montreal is capable of netting a goal, which should be all we need to get over this low total. I expect some defensive holes from Montreal, as it is having to go on the road with a lack of depth. DC United could cash the over in this match on its own.
