A thrilling Eastern Conference clash is on the cards as the Philadelphia Union welcome CF Montreal to Subaru Park in Pennsylvania. It is a meeting of two sides at opposite ends of the table, with the hosts flying high at the moment while the visitors are struggling.
Philadelphia Union are setting the pace in the Eastern Conference as they sit one point clear at the top of the table. However, they are only just coming off a two-game losing run, claiming a 2-0 home victory over the New York Red Bulls last time out.
That result maintains a solid home form for Philadelphia Union, who are unbeaten in their last 10 matches in all competitions at Subaru Park. However, Bradley Carnell's men need to tighten up at the back, having failed to keep a clean sheet in six of their last seven matches in front of their fans.
Montreal remain rooted to the foot of the table, having picked up just three wins from their 22 MLS matches so far. Marco Donadel's men are winless in four of their last five matches in all competitions.
There have been signs of improvement for Montreal in their recent travels having gone unbeaten in four of their last six away matches. They played out a 1-1 draw at Orlando City in their last away fixture and will take plenty of confidence from their fightback.
How the bookies view it: Philadelphia Union overwhelming favourites
Philadelphia Union have been installed as overwhelming favourites among the bookies with BoyleSports offering odds of 1/2 for a win. A victory for Montreal is valued at 4/1 while a draw is set at 3/1.
Head to head: History favours Philadelphia
Philadelphia Union have a 14-12 advantage with 12 draws from 38 previous matches against Montreal. The hosts have also won the last three meetings and claimed a 2-1 away victory in the reverse fixture.
Players to watch: Eyes on Baribo
Tai Baribo is enjoying a prolific season for Philadelphia Union and has scored 13 times in the MLS so far. He should have support from Bruno Damiani and both men can produce over 1.5 goals for the hosts (Philadelphia Union over 1.5 goals – priced at 1/5 with BoyleSports).
Prince-Osei Owusu is the main attacking threat for Montreal and has found the net nine times in the MLS this season. Dante Sealy has three goals this season and can combine with Owusu to provide over 0.5 goals – available at 4/9.
Probable line-ups:
The Philadelphia Union are likely to welcome back Alejandro Bedoya into the midfield following a late cameo in the previous fixture. Baribo and Damiani should feature in attack while Jakop Glesnes is set to continue at the back.
Jalen Neal and Giacomo Vrioni are currently sidelined with injury and will miss this clash. Owusu should keep his place in attack while Sealy and Caden Clark are also expected to feature.
Philadelphia Union: Blake; Bedoya, Glesnes, Makhanya, Wagner; Sullivan, Jacques, Lukic, Vassilev; Damiani, Baribo
Montreal: Sirois; Petrasso, Craig, Waterman, Bugaj; Loturi, Piette, Sealy, Pearce; Clark, Owusu
Anything else catch the eye?
Philadelphia Union have won the first half in the last four home matches (Philadelphia Union halftime win – priced at 21/20 with BoyleSports). Both teams have scored in three of the last five meetings (BTTS YES – offered at 8/13).
Given the minimal odds for a straight victory for Philadelphia Union, a win and over 2.5 goals offers more value at 23/20.
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