MLS: DC United vs. Montreal Betting Preview, Odds, Prediction

Two direct rivals for the playoff spot in the East, DC United and Montreal, clash on Sunday night. The hosts have one point more than the rivals from Canada and currently hold sixth place in the conference. Each point in contests like this one is very important, and that only increases the pressure on both teams before the match. DC is in better shape, while Montreal’s form declined in the past few weeks, which is the main reason for their drop in the standings.

Preview

DC United (-125) posted two subsequent draws and wins in the past four games, improving their position in the East and reaching the playoff spot. That stretch of positive results should continue because United comes back home following back-to-back road games.

They played 2-2 in Chicago against Fire, then defeated the Red Bulls at home, 1-0, before heading for Cincinnati, where DC played without goals against the hosts. In the most recent match, the team from the capital smashed the reigning MLS champs Columbus Crew in front of their fans, 2-4.

Unlike other rivals, United didn’t play too many games at home, only seven, winning five of them and losing just twice, with a total goal difference of 12-4. They have the best defense when looking at the average number of conceded goals at home.

Montreal (+350) is in the middle of the worst stretch since the start of the campaign. The Canadians are without a win for four consecutive clashes, losing three in a row before playing 2-2 at home to Atlanta United this midweek.

Previously, this side didn’t lose in six MLS events in a row, but it needs to be said that the majority of matches during that interval took place in Montreal.

Montreal isn’t that confident on the road, posting one victory in the past six outings, which was against Chicago Fire back in late May. In general, the Canadians have eight points in nine away matches with a negative goal difference, 8-11.

Latest News

Romell Quioto is out for the guests, the same as Ballou Tabla. What is more important, Clement Diop, Rudy Camacho, and Victor Wanayama are also unable to play.

Moses Nyem is suspended in DC, but the good news is that Joseph Mora comes back following his suspension.

Head to Head Games

Montreal hosted DC United on June 24, and the game ended without goals. This was the fourth straight head-to-head game that the Canadians stayed unbeaten against this opponent, as they won the preceding three.

Prediction

This is a must-win situation for DC, who has the opportunity to not only take all three points but deny Montreal from doing the same, meaning that their triumph is worth double in this case. On top of that, United hosts a shaky opponent whose morale is very low after experiencing several tough blows. We are all in on the home team’s win here, as all the circumstances point in that direction. The odds for DC to solve the rivals are -120, which is fair enough, we would add.

Pick: DC wins -120

More MLS Picks are available on this link.