Montreal Impact will play hosts to the reigning Major League Soccer champions Toronto FC on Saturday looking to secure their first points of the season. The home team has begun their MLS campaign with back-to-back losses and are now in need to bounce back against one of the favourites of the league.
Meanwhile, Toronto FC has also made a poor start to their season after suffering an opening day defeat at home to Columbus Crew. Greg Vanney’s side will now look to earn three crucial points away at their Canadian rivals on Saturday.
The recent history of the fixture makes a grim reading for the home team as Toronto has won four of their last six meetings with their Quebec rivals which will give them a lot of confidence going into this clash.
Team News
Montreal Impact
Rémi Garde could start Raheem Edwards for this clash after he came off the bench to score versus Columbus Crew in their last league outing. It is expected that Garde will once again opt for a 4-1-4-1 formation and will be without the services of Anthony Jackson-Hamel, Zakaria Diallo and Kyle Fisher, who are all sidelined due to injuries, for this contest.
Toronto FC
Greg Vanney has no fresh injury concerns and should have a full squad to choose from as he prepares his side for this clash. It is expected that Vanney will deploy a 3-5-2 formation but might make some changes with his side playing Tigres UANL in the CONCACAF Champions League just 3 days prior to the contest.
Predicted Lineups
Montreal Impact
Bush, Raitala, Cabrera, Piette, Lovitz, Petrasso, Taider, Krolicki, Piatti, Edwards, Mancosu
Toronto FC
Bono, Zavaleta, Moor, Mavinga, van der Wiel, Delgado, Bradley, Osorio, Morrow, Giovinco, Altidore
Key Men
Montreal Impact
The performance of the central defensive duo of Victor Cabrera and Jukka Raitala will be integral in this match. They need to put in a solid showing at the back if Montreal Impact are to have any chance in this game. Ignacio Piatti will also be a key asset for the home team and Montreal fans will be hoping that he can find the back of the net once again when he laces up to face the men from Toronto.
Toronto FC
The goal-scoring responsibilities will once again fall on the shoulders of Sebastian Giovinco and Jozy Altidore while Michael Bradley will also play a crucial role in midfield for the visitors.
Odds:
Montreal Impact win: 9/4
Draw: 45/17
Toronto FC win: 13/10
