CF Montreal vs Vancouver Whitecaps Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews for this MLS fixture. Canadian rivals CF Montreal and Vancouver Whitecaps face off on Saturday at Saputo Stadium in their first 2024 MLS meeting. Read on for our free predictions and tips.

Major League Soccer | Jul 7, 2024 at 12.30am UK at Stade Saputo

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CF Montreal vs Vancouver Whitecaps Predictions

Can Vancouver’s Offensive Surge Overcome Montreal’s Home Fortitude?

This Saturday, Canadian rivals CF Montreal and Vancouver Whitecaps will face off at Saputo Stadium. As both teams seek to climb the standings, this match promises to be a crucial encounter in the 2024 MLS campaign. Montreal are looking to bounce back from a defeat to New York City FC, while Vancouver aim to build on their impressive win over Minnesota United.

Inconsistent Montreal

Montreal have had a season marked by inconsistency. Laurent Courtois’s men sit 12th in the Eastern Conference, two points below the playoff line, but with multiple teams to leapfrog. Their vulnerability in defence has been a significant issue, having conceded 45 goals, the second-highest in the league. However, their home form has been a beacon of hope, remaining unbeaten in their last five domestic matches at Saputo Stadium.

Despite their struggles, Montreal have shown resilience at home. They have managed to secure crucial points in front of their fans, although they have a worrying trend of failing to capitalise when taking the lead, dropping 12 points from winning positions. The team needs to tighten up defensively to convert their home advantage into victories consistently.

Vancouver’s Offensive Revival

Vancouver Whitecaps have recently found their scoring touch, netting seven goals in their last two domestic games after a brief drought. Their back-to-back wins have propelled them into the top four of the Western Conference with 31 points. This season, Vancouver have only been shut out four times, indicating a generally potent attack.

Under Vanni Sartini, the Whitecaps have been effective on the road, winning five away games this year. This is a notable improvement from their previous seasons and highlights their capability to secure points away from home. However, their defensive record needs improvement, having conceded 28 goals so far.

Expected Lineups and Tactical Approaches

CF Montreal Possible Starting Lineup:

• Goalkeeper: Sirois
• Defenders: Alvarez, Corbo, Sosa
• Midfielders: Ruan, Duke, Lassiter, Edwards
• Forwards: Opoku, Ibrahim, Martinez

Vancouver Whitecaps Possible Starting Lineup:

• Goalkeeper: Takaoka
• Defenders: Laborda, Veselinovic, Utvik
• Midfielders: Raposo, Vite, Cubas, Martins
• Forwards: Johnson, White, Gauld

Montreal will likely set up in a 3-4-3 formation, focusing on leveraging their width through wingbacks Ruan and Edwards. The inclusion of Opoku in the attack adds pace and creativity. Vancouver, also favouring a 3-4-3 setup, will rely on the playmaking abilities of Ryan Gauld and the finishing prowess of Brian White.

Key Matchups and Areas to Watch

The midfield battle between Bryce Duke of Montreal and Vancouver’s Andres Cubas will be pivotal. Duke’s ability to drive forward and create chances will be crucial for Montreal, while Cubas will need to disrupt Montreal’s play and shield his backline effectively.

In attack, Brian White’s movement and finishing will test Montreal’s defenders, who have struggled to maintain their shape and discipline. Conversely, Montreal’s Ibrahim Sunusi will look to exploit any gaps in Vancouver’s defence, using his pace and positioning.

Gameplay Expectations

Given their recent form, Vancouver are expected to adopt an aggressive approach, pressing high and looking to control possession. Montreal, on the other hand, may focus on counter-attacks, using their pace on the wings to exploit Vancouver’s defensive frailties. The game could be decided by how effectively Montreal can withstand Vancouver’s pressure and whether they can exploit the spaces left by Vancouver’s attacking forays.

Analysis of Expected Goals Averages

Montreal’s attacking output averages 1.4 goals per game, with a similar xG figure, indicating they are performing as expected in front of goal. However, their defensive xG is significantly higher than their goals conceded, pointing to a leaky defence. Vancouver, with an average of 1.7 goals per game, have an xG that aligns closely with their actual performance, reflecting their efficiency in attack.

Suggestions for Improvement

For Montreal, the primary area of improvement is their defensive organisation. They need to minimise individual errors and improve their coordination at the back. Offensively, being more clinical with their chances can help convert their home dominance into wins.

Vancouver need to focus on maintaining their defensive structure, especially against counter-attacks. They should also work on their set-piece defence, an area where they have shown vulnerability.

Heavy Criticisms of Montreal’s Tactics

Montreal’s defensive frailties are glaring. Laurent Courtois’s inability to shore up the backline has cost them dearly. Their frequent lapses in concentration and poor marking have made them one of the most porous defences in the league. Courtois’s tactical setup lacks the necessary rigidity and discipline, often leaving them exposed against well-drilled attacking units.

Managerial Strengths and Weaknesses

Laurent Courtois’s strength lies in his ability to motivate his squad and create a cohesive unit offensively. However, his defensive tactics have been questionable, leading to numerous avoidable goals. Vanni Sartini’s tactical flexibility and offensive strategies have paid dividends for Vancouver, but he must work on making his team more robust defensively.

Betting Predictions

Best Bet: Vancouver Whitecaps to Win

Given Vancouver’s recent form and Montreal’s defensive struggles, Vancouver Whitecaps are well-positioned to secure a victory. Their offensive firepower and recent performances suggest they can outscore a shaky Montreal defence.

Correct Score Prediction: Montreal 1-2 Vancouver Whitecaps

Aligning with the best bet, a 2-1 victory for Vancouver seems plausible. Montreal are likely to find the net given their home form, but Vancouver’s superior attack should see them edge this encounter.

Goalscorer Prediction: Brian White to Score Anytime

Brian White’s recent form and his knack for scoring against vulnerable defences make him a prime candidate to find the net. His movement and finishing ability will be a constant threat to Montreal.

Corner Prediction: Over 10.5 Corners

With both teams averaging high corner counts per game, an over 10.5 corners bet is justified. Vancouver’s offensive style and Montreal’s reliance on wing play should result in numerous corner opportunities.

Innovative Market Prediction: Total Team Shots on Target Over 12.5

Considering both teams’ attacking tendencies and defensive vulnerabilities, a high number of shots on target is expected. Vancouver and Montreal both average over 4 shots on target per game, suggesting a combined total exceeding 12.5 is likely.

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