CF Montreal (home)
- CF Montreal are at the bottom of the Eastern Conference with one win and six defeats from their first seven games in 2026.
- The departure of Donadel has made this the biggest storyline of the matchup and brought an extra sense of urgency to a team that has lost four and won only one of their last five.
- Interim coach Philippe Eullaffroy will look to Wiki Carmona to fill the goal threat void up front as he tries to get his defense solid again.
- The former Red Bulls man is Montréal’s biggest star and will have extra motivation to perform after his brace against his old club last time out.
New York Red Bulls (away)
- New York Red Bulls are in seventh place in the MLS 2026 Eastern Conference, with three wins, two draws and two defeats in their seven games played to date.
- New York Red Bulls are slight favorites with the oddsmakers for Saturday’s MLS 2026 matchup at CF Montreal, where the Red Bulls will face the team that thrashed them 3-0 in the reverse fixture in March.
- Bradley has been gradually introducing more of his own style to New York’s DNA, which was built on a high-tempo game and relentless pressing under the previous regime.
- His early season results have included a couple of gutsy victories and some defensive collapses.
- The visitors’ pressing game and ball-traffic control could meet their match on Saturday when they face a Montreal side that prefers to keep the ball and build up in a more structured 4-2-3-1 formation.
Head-to-Head
The all-time record of this matchup slightly favours the Red Bulls, who have won 16 times to Montréal’s 13 in all competitions, with five draws.
Key Players
- Éric Maxim Choupo-Moting’s experience is a boost to New York’s front line, but they will need to start him and give him a chance if they want to be a factor.
- Youngsters like Julian Hall and Cade Cowell have given the attack a boost in the opening exchanges of 2026.
- Interim coach Philippe Eullaffroy will look to Wiki Carmona to fill the goal threat void up front as he tries to get his defense solid again.
- The former Red Bulls man is Montréal’s biggest star and will have extra motivation to perform after his brace against his old club last time out.
- The visitors will need to win the set piece battle to take maximum advantage of Emil Forsberg’s creativity.
Betting Insights
- With both teams in inconsistent form, the Over 2.5 goals at 1.55 looks like the best bet on offer for this game while Both to score at 1.45 is also enticing.
- New York’s early-season form gives them the slight edge in this matchup, but Montreal’s 3-0 win in New York last time out suggests a home victory is possible.
Prediction
- Bradley’s boys will get the ball high up the field and should be able to dominate transition, so this should be a fast-paced game with plenty of end-to-end action.
- The forecast for Montreal is mild and mostly cloudy, which suits the Red Bulls’ fast-paced style and could see them nick this one.
