Preview: CF Montreal vs. FC Cincinnati - prediction, team news, lineups

CF Montreal take on FC Cincinnati in the Eastern Conference of the MLS on Saturday, with the visitors aiming to avoid losing further ground on the playoff positions.

Montreal, meanwhile, have a two-point cushion inside the top seven after winning two matches in a row.

Match preview

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Having failed to qualify for the playoffs in each of the past four seasons, Montreal's prospects of doing so this season look significantly brighter.

Following Thierry Henry's resignation at the end of February, Wilfried Nancy replaced the former Arsenal legend in his first ever role as a head coach.

So far, it's been so good for the 44-year-old, who has guided the Canadian club to five wins and four draws from his 12 league games in charge ahead of Saturday's test against Cincinnati.

Last time out, Montreal came from behind to beat New York City FC 2-1, with Mason Toye and Romell Quioto scoring either side of half time.

Nancy will be demanding a better start from his players on Saturday, but as long as they get the job done in the end, it's unlikely the Frenchman will mind too much how it comes about.

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Cincinnati, meanwhile, have only had two seasons in the MLS after being founded in 2018.

The Orange and Blue have struggled to compete at this level having stepped up from the United Soccer League, finishing 12th and 14th.

Former Manchester United defender Jaap Stam became head coach in May 2020, with the 48-year-old appearing to gradually turn things around given that his side travel to Montreal on the back of a four-match unbeaten run.

However, Stam would have been furious to see his side drop a two-goal lead at home against Columbus Crew last time out, especially after the visitors were reduced to ten men after only 42 minutes.

Those two dropped points leave Cincinnati five points adrift of the playoff positions, albeit with one or two games in hand on most of the sides above them, meaning a positive result is surely required on Saturday.

Team News

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Montreal are likely to be without Clement Diop and Ballou Tabla due to thigh and groin injuries respectively.

Central defenders Aljaz Struna and Rudy Camacho will need to be on their best behaviour, as both are only one yellow card away from incurring a one-match suspension.

Cincinnati, meanwhile, will travel without Calvin Harris, Zico Bailey and Maikel van der Werff due to meniscus, hip and hernia issues respectively.

Costa Rica internationals Allan Cruz and Ronald Matarrita are also unavailable due to currently competing for their country in the Gold Cup.

CF Montreal possible starting lineup:
Pantemis; Struna, Camacho, Bassong; Choiniere, Wanyama, Mihailovic, Lappalainen; Maciel; Quioto, Toye

FC Cincinnati possible starting lineup:
Vermeer; Gyau, Cameron, Vallecilla, Castillo; Medunjanin, Kubo; Barreal, Acosta, Atanga; Brenner

We say: CF Montreal 2-1 FC Cincinnati

We expect Montreal to extend their winning run to three successive games on Saturday.

Cincinnati are likely to have lost plenty of confidence after dropping a two-goal lead to 10-man Columbus last time out, with the hosts possessing more ability and experience on paper.