CF Montreal travels to face New York City FC in Eastern Conference play this Saturday at 2 p.m.
Standings and Form Heading Into Saturday
New York City FC enters the weekend holding an 11th-place spot in the Eastern Conference with a 9-12-11 record, including a 7-10-7 mark within the conference. CF Montreal sits 14th in the table at 6-19-7, carrying a 6-15-4 conference record.
The Associated Press reports that NYCFC has excelled when finding the attacking rhythm required to score multiple goals, posting a 33-9-3 record in matches where they put up a pair. Montreal, conversely, has struggled to close out tight affairs, holding a 39-70 record in matches decided by a single goal.
Saturday’s fixture marks the second meeting between the two sides this season. Montreal claimed the previous encounter by a 1-0 scoreline.
Tale of the Tape Through Recent Matches
Over their last 10 outings, NYCFC has logged a 12-7-11 stretch, averaging 3.3 goals, 13.5 shots on goal, and 16.5 corner kicks per match while conceding 3.9 goals. Montreal over the same 10-game window has gone 5-17-8, averaging 1.8 goals, 10.2 shots on goal, and 14.7 corner kicks while allowing 6.0 goals per contest.
Betting markets have positioned the hosts as clear favorites. The opening line lists NYCFC at -249, with Montreal at +575 and a draw priced at +376. The over/under is set at 2.5 goals.
Fernandez Mercau and Owusu Lead Scoring Amid Injuries
Nicolas Ezequiel Fernandez Mercau leads the attacking output for NYCFC this season with 16 goals and four assists, while teammate Luighi has contributed two goals over the last 10 games. For Montreal, Prince-Osei Owusu has netted 15 goals alongside six assists, while Noah Streit has picked up one assist over the past 10 matches.
Both squads deal with substantial injury lists heading into the weekend. NYCFC will be without Arnau Farnos, Drew Baiera, Kai Trewin, and Maxi Moralez. Montreal’s unavailable contingent includes Thomas Clemente Philippe Gillier Correa, Bode Davis, Brayan Andres Ceballos Jimenez, Jalen Neal, and Prince-Osei Owusu.
