NEW YORK CITY are looking to maintain their recent home form as they host Montreal in an Eastern Conference MLS clash. Montreal have found things difficult away from home and New York City will be confident of claiming the upper hand on Thursday.
New York City head into Thursday’s clash off the back of a 4-2 victory over Orlando City last time out in the MLS. It was a vital win for Nick Cushing’s men as it ended a run of three straight defeats.
That result also extends a solid home record for New York City, who have won three of their last four matches in front of their fans. However, they are often unconvincing at the back having failed to keep a single clean sheet in their last six home fixtures.
Montreal are also coming off a 4-2 victory as they eased past Philadelphia Union in their previous MLS fixture. That was only the second win in 15 matches across all competitions for Laurent Courtois’ men, who are having a difficult campaign.
Things are still rough for Montreal on their travels as they are winless in their nine away matches. They have suffered six defeats in that run, including a 4-1 thrashing at Colorado Rapids in their previous fixture on the road.
How the bookies view it: Smooth sailing for New York City
New York City have been installed as overwhelming favourites with a home win priced at 4/11 by Betfred. An unlikely victory for Montreal is valued at 11/2 while a draw is set at odds of 7/2.
Recent head to head: New York City always superior
New York City are unbeaten in the last seven matches against Montreal, claiming five wins in that run. They claimed a 2-0 victory in the most recent meeting back in August, with Andres Jasson and Mounsef Bakrar getting the goals.
Players to watch: Rodriguez the main man
Santiago Rodriguez continues to impress for New York City and has eight MLS goals this season. The attacker was also on target in the win over Orlando and is priced at 8/5 by Betfred to maintain his scoring run.
Montreal have also shown some attacking quality and will look to Sunusi Ibrahim to provide the spark in attack. The striker has four goals in his last six matches and is priced at 5/1 by Betfred to find the net on Thursday.
Probable line-ups
Malachi Jones suffered an injury in New York City’s win over Orlando City and is ruled out of Thursday’s clash. Axel Ojeda is expected to continue in his place after scoring off the bench.
Montreal have no new injuries or suspensions and are likely to stick with the team that beat Philadelphia Union. Sunusi Ibrahim should continue to lead the line, with Josef Martinez providing support.
New York City: Freese, O’Toole, Risa, Thiago Martins, Gray, Parks, Sands, Ojeda, Rodriguez, Wolf, Martinez
Montreal: Sirois, Sosa, Gorbo, Campbell, Edwards, Saliba, Duke, Ruan, Martinez, Vilsaint, Ibrahim
Anything else catch the eye?
New York City’s last four home matches have produced over 4.5 goals, which is priced at 3/1 by Betfred. Over 3.5 goals could also be considered at 5/4 with Betfred.
New York City are priced at minimal odds for a straight victory, so a win and both teams to score could be considered at 7/4 with Betfred. They have also scored in both halves in three to their last four home matches and a similar pattern is priced at evens with Betfred.
This MLS match between New York City and Montreal will be played on Jul 4, 2024 and kick off at 00:30. Check below for our tipsters best New York City vs Montreal prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
