Preview: CF Montreal vs. New York City FC – Prediction, Team News, Lineups

With a win or a draw it will be over on Saturday New York City F.C at Saputo Stadium, CF Montreal would book a place in the MLS Cup playoffs for the first time since 2022.

Despite a 2-0 loss to Charlotte FC in their last game, Le CFM is in control of its playoff fate and is currently in ninth place in the Eastern Conference, while the Pigeons have already secured their spot in the postseason against Nashville SC defeated previous encounter 3:1.

Game preview

© Imago

In time, Montreal moved up the table and got at least one point in five of the last six indoor games.

Because of this, Laurent CourtoisAtlanta's men qualify for the postseason with just a single point on Saturday and can make it even if Atlanta United and the Philadelphia Union drop points in their final game.

Montreal has won just one of its last three Decision Day games, securing a win over Inter Miami (3-1) in the final game of the 2022 regular season.

Their last three MLS games at Saputo Stadium have ended in triumph for the home team, who have kept two clean sheets on home soil.

A win this weekend would not only guarantee them a spot in the MLS Cup playoffs, but would also surpass their points total from the previous season (41).

Le CFM has yet to beat a New York-based club this MLS season, although they managed to avoid defeat in their two meetings against the New York Red Bulls.

© Imago

Over in the Bronx, the Boys in Blue are back in the playoffs after missing out for the second time in club history a season ago.

In their current three-game MLS winning streak, the Pigeons have come to life in the attacking third, scoring three or more goals each time.

Nick CushingOrlando's men are still in the race for home advantage in the opening round of the playoffs and are two points behind Orlando City heading into decider day.

Thanks to their win over Nashville, New York City reached the 50-point plateau, nine points more than a year ago.

They have four away wins in the 2024 regular season, three more than last year, and have a chance on Saturday to win consecutive away games in the competition for the second time this season.

NYCFC are undefeated in their last seven meetings with Montreal in all competitions, have not conceded a goal in their last three games against them and have won their last two visits to Saputo Stadium.

CF Montreal Major League Soccer Form:

Form of New York City FC in Major League Soccer:

Team news

© Imago

A hamstring injury Lassi Lappalainen has kept him on the Montreal sidelines for weeks, and that's unlikely to change on Saturday Nathan Dylan Saliba must sit out this game due to the accumulation of yellow cards.

You will have it Joel Waterman And Jonathan Sirois They were available for this crucial game after each being named to the Canadian squad for a friendly against Panama.

In the loss to Charlotte, Courtois made two changes to his starting XI: Gabrielle Corbo And Sunusi Ibrahim substitute Fernando Alvarez And Joseph Martinez.

New York City was missing against Nashville Malachi Jones due to a broken shinbone, Keaton Parks played the full 90 minutes despite previously suffering a hamstring injury, and his usual partner in defensive midfield, James Sandsis entitled to return from suspension.

There will be a handful of Piegons returning from the international break, including the leading goalscorer Alonso Martínez, Tomas Romero, Jovan Mijatovic, Mitja Ilenic, Tayvon Gray And Andrew Baiera.

Martinez scored another goal in the last meeting, the fourth for him in his last three MLS competitions Santiago Rodríguez scored a brace, his third in two games.

CF Montreal possible starting lineup:
Sirois; Campbell, Waterman, Alvarez; Marshall-Rutty, Piette, Duke, Edwards; Opoku, Clark; J. Martinez

Possible New York City FC starting lineup:
release; Gray, Martins, Risa, O'Toole; parks, sands; Wolf, Rodriguez, Ojeda; A. Martinez

We say: CF Montreal 2:1 New York City FC

Despite their recent form against the Pigeons and the fact that NYCFC has a lot to offer, we're going with the home team.

Le CFM have basically been in a must-win situation over the last few weeks and have often delivered, making us believe they can get a win when they need it most.

For data analysis of the most likely outcomes, scores and more for this game, please click here.

Previews via email