CF Montreal vs Chicago Fire FC Prediction - MLS Picks

CF Montreal-Chicago Fire FC

Major League Soccer

Fulltime

2 - 0

(HT 1-0)

CF Montreal is set to face Chicago Fire FC in the opening round of Major League Soccer at Saputo Stadium. The match promises to be an exciting contest, especially given the close positions of the teams in the league standings. Montreal sits 25th with 31 points and aims to bounce back from a recent string of inconsistent results. In contrast, Chicago is 26th, just behind Montreal with 29 points, and looks to capitalize on their recent mixed form.

With both teams struggling defensively, this match holds substantial importance as it can set the tone for the rest of the season. The absence of key players like Montreal’s Joel Waterman and several injured Chicago players could be pivotal.

Given Montreal’s inconsistency and Chicago’s potential to surprise, a recommended betting tip is for Chicago Fire FC to win, with excellent odds of 3.6. With the expected tight contest, the Fire might have the edge to grab a crucial away victory.

CF Montreal vs Chicago Fire FC Prediction & Betting Tip

Recommending a betting tip: Chicago Fire FC to win.
Here’s why this prediction has been chosen: Montreal has shown inconsistency throughout the season, struggling defensively and conceding in the late stages. Chicago Fire FC, despite mixed form, has demonstrated potential to surprise ber teams and capitalize on Montreal’s defensive lapses. The attractive odds of 3.6 offer excellent value for bettors.

CF Montreal vs. Chicago Fire FC Prediction
Betting tip	Odds
Chicago Fire FC to win	3.60

Chicago Fire FC has a better team this season.
Montreal has been inconsistent, particularly defensively.
The odds of 3.60 for a Chicago win present excellent value.

CF Montreal vs Chicago Fire FC Odds

CF Montreal vs. Chicago Fire FC Betting Odds
Bet	Odds
CF Montreal	2.14
Draw	3.60
Chicago Fire FC	3.07

CF Montreal Team Analysis

CF Montreal has experienced a tough run of form recently, securing just one win in their last five matches. Here’s how their last five games played out:

Home team	Away team	Result
New England Rev	CF Montreal	2-2 (Draw)
CF Montreal	Charlotte FC	2-1 (Win)
FC Cincinnati	CF Montreal	4-1 (Loss)
CF Montreal	New England Revolution	0-5 (Loss)
Philadelphia U	CF Montreal	2-0 (Loss)

Montreal has struggled defensively, failing to keep a clean sheet in their last five games and conceding heavily. They’ve managed to score an average of 1.00 goal per game but have given up too many at the back. Key factors include the absence of defender Joel Waterman due to injury, which has further weakened an already vulnerable defense. This inconsistency could be a major hurdle as they look to improve their standings.

CF Montreal Key Players

CF Montreal’s key players for their clash against Chicago Fire FC will be crucial in determining the outcome. Top scorer Sunusi Ibrahim, who has netted six goals this season, will be leading the attack and looking to exploit any weaknesses in the Fire’s defense. Midfield maestro Samuel Piette will be essential in controlling the tempo and providing much-needed stability in the middle of the park.

Here is the expected lineup for CF Montreal:

Goalkeeper: Jonathan Sirois
Defenders: George Campbell, Gabriele Corbo, Fernando Alvarez
Midfielders: Dawid Bugaj, Samuel Piette, Nathan-Dylan Saliba, Tom Pearce
Attacking Midfielders: Kwadwo Opoku, Jules-Anthony Vilsaint
Forward: Matias Coccaro

Individual battles to watch out for include Sunusi Ibrahim against Chicago’s central defenders like Tobias Salquist, as their performance might significantly impact the match’s result.

CF Montreal Suspensions & Injuries

CF Montreal have a notable absence in their squad due to injuries, which could impact their performance against Chicago Fire FC. Joel Waterman, a key defender for Montreal, remains sidelined with a hamstring injury. His absence is significant as Montreal’s defense has struggled in recent games without him, potentially leaving gaps that Chicago’s attackers might exploit.

Player	Injury	Expected return
Joel Waterman	Hamstring Injury	Mid October 2024

Montreal have no suspensions heading into this match. Waterman’s injury means Laurent Courtois will need his other defenders to step up. This could see players like George Campbell and Fernando Alvarez being pivotal in maintaining defensive stability.

CF Montreal Tactics and Formation

CF Montreal Tactical Breakdown:

Formation: 3-4-2-1
Key Forward: Matias Coccaro
Midfield Setup: Samuel Piette, Nathan-Dylan Saliba, Kwadwo Opoku, Jules-Anthony Vilsaint
Defensive Trio: George Campbell, Gabriele Corbo, Fernando Alvarez

Recent matches have shown that Montreal struggles defensively, especially in the final quarter of the game, where they’ve conceded the most goals. Their 3-4-2-1 formation aims to bolster midfield control while still posing an attacking threat. Look out for their most prolific scoring period between the 61st and 75th minutes.

Defensively, the absence of Joel Waterman means other defenders need to step up to prevent vulnerabilities. This could be a challenging area against a b Chicago attack.

Chicago Fire FC Team Analysis

Chicago Fire FC have had an inconsistent run in their last five matches, picking up just one victory. Their recent form is quite patchy, as reflected in their outcomes: LWLLD. They’ve managed only 1.20 goals per game on average and have failed to keep a clean sheet in any of their last five outings, demonstrating weaknesses in their defense. Here’s a look at their past five matches:

Home team	Away team	Result
Nashville SC	Chicago Fire FC	1-0 (Loss)
Chicago Fire FC	New York Red Bulls	2-1 (Win)
Chicago Fire FC	DC United	1-2 (Loss)
Chicago Fire FC	Inter Miami CF	1-4 (Loss)
New York City FC	Chicago Fire FC	2-2 (Draw)

Chicago Fire FC Key Players

Chicago Fire FC will be relying heavily on their top scorer, Hugo Cuypers, who has netted 10 goals this season. Cuypers’ finishing skills will be crucial in breaking down CF Montreal’s defense, which has struggled to keep clean sheets.

Another key player for the Fire is Gastón Giménez in midfield, known for his playmaking abilities and vision. He will be essential in linking defense and attack, ensuring that the ball reaches the forwards in dangerous positions.

Expected lineup for Chicago Fire FC:

Goalkeeper: Chris Brady
Defenders: Arnaud Souquet, Tobias Salquist, Wyatt Omsberg
Midfielders: Maren Haile-Selassie, Fabian Herbers, Kellyn Acosta, Gastón Giménez, Ariel Lassiter
Attackers: Tom Barlow, Georgios Koutsias

The battle between Cuypers and George Campbell, one of Montreal’s central defenders, will be one to watch closely.

Chicago Fire FC Suspensions & Injuries

Chicago Fire FC will be facing this match with several notable absences due to injuries. These injuries could significantly impact their defensive stability and depth. The table below summarizes the key injuries:

Player	Injury	Expected return
Chase Gasper	Leg injury	Mid-October 2024
Carlos Terán	Leg injury	Mid-October 2024
Andrew Gutman	Leg injury	Mid-October 2024
Rafael Czichos	Leg injury	Mid-October 2024

Chicago Fire FC Tactics and Formation

Chicago Fire FC Tactical Breakdown:

Formation: 3-5-2
Key Forwards: Tom Barlow and Georgios Koutsias
Midfield Core: Fabian Herbers, Kellyn Acosta, Gastón Giménez
Defensive Setup: Arnaud Souquet, Tobias Salquist, Wyatt Omsberg as central backs

Given their injury list, Chicago will rely heavily on their flexible 3-5-2 formation. They aim to dominate midfield possession with their trio of Herbers, Acosta, and Giménez, providing both defensive cover and offensive support. Their wing-backs, Haile-Selassie and Lassiter, will push forward to add width and create chances for the strikers. This formation allows Chicago to be solid defensively while maintaining potent attacking options.

CF Montreal vs Chicago Fire FC Head-to-Head Statistics

The upcoming clash between CF Montreal and Chicago Fire FC marks another chapter in their intriguing rivalry. Here’s a look at the results from their last five encounters: