FC Dallas vs CF Montreal Preview
In a rare occurrence after almost three years, CF Montreal is set to grace Toyota Stadium with their presence for a match against Dallas in MLS action this Saturday. Dallas had a promising third-place finish in the West in 2022 but stumbled in 2023, landing seventh in their conference and exiting the playoffs early at the hands of the Seattle Sounders. However, they’ve kicked off the 2024 season with a strong start, securing a 2-1 victory over San Jose on opening day. Meanwhile, CF Montreal began their season with a defensive stronghold, earning a point in a goalless draw under the new management of Laurent Courtois in Orlando last weekend.
It was a stark difference from L’Impact of last season who managed just two clean sheets all term but they do have among the tougher runs this time around. The opening day away clash is just one of six consecutive away games with the Toros next up on their list. However, Dallas didn’t exactly shine in their 2-1 win over San Jose as they were behind after just six minutes, and only managed to sneak all three points thanks to a 94th minute winner. Much like Montreal, this was a stark difference to last season, as they only managed to win just thrice after conceding first.
It does make for an interesting match-up between the two especially with Montreal sporting a new head-coach while Dallas’ record signing, Petar Musa, is yet to make his debut for his new side.
FC Dallas vs CF Montreal Team News
FC Dallas
A 2-1 win on their opening day weekend has many fans overjoyed to see what FC Dallas could do with Petar Musa in the squad. The club’s record signing missed his side’s opener because of personal issues but is back with the squad and is expected to play a role against CF Montreal. He signed from Benfica before the season began and a lot is expected from him after he netted 17 goals for the Portuguese side before he left. However, the Toros will most likely be without Amet Korca, who is still recovering from a groin injury.
The defender re-signed with the team after he made only four appearances in 2023 although he did make 14 appearances in the MLS Next Pro League. The big miss for Dallas will be Marco Farfan as he missed their opener through a back injury and most likely will miss their game against Montreal as well. The midfielder played a key role last season with 32 starts in 34 appearances although it’s likely that Dante Sealy will continue to replace him until fit.
The same goes for Jesus Ferreira (sore left thigh), Paxton Pomykal (left knee), Alan Velasco (ACL recovery) and Tsiki Ntsabeleng continues to recover from a knock. Velasco is the only one with a long-term injury and is expected to miss a large majority of the season.
CF Montreal
While their opening day draw wasn’t the most entertaining game in the world, L’Impact were still without a few players for their opener. Joaquin Sosa’s MLS debut has been delayed thanks to a lower leg injury but reports do indicate that the loanee could be in contention for the weekend. That hasn’t been confirmed and the same goes for Nathan Saliba, who sat out the opener because of a bone bruise. Although Antonin Bresser, of RDS, has revealed that Robert Thorkelsson is back in training.
The defender has struggled for minutes over the past few seasons, making just 20 appearances since 2022 with just two starts in the same timeline. He is, however, working his way back to the pitch after a groin injury but may not be fit enough to play against FC Dallas. The same goes for Lassi Lappalainen, who started the season injured like the other three. He was absent from last weekend’s opener with an ankle injury but could be a depth option once he’s fully fit.
FC Dallas vs CF Montreal Predicted lineups
FC Dallas
With injuries restricting his squad, it does mean that manager Nico Estevez will likely make only one change to his squad.
Predicted XI: Paes; Ibeagha, Tafari, Junqua; Lletget, Illarramendi, Fraser, Sealy; Kamungo, Musa, Arriola
CF Montreal
New boss Laurent Courtois doesn’t have too many options but with Josef Martinez slowly finding his footing his new club, the chance of him starting is low.
Predicted XI: Sirois; Campbell, Waterman, Corbo; Ruan, Choiniere, Wanyama, Edwards; Opoku, Yankov; Coccaro
FC Dallas vs CF Montreal Head-to-Head
Played: 9; FC Dallas: 5, CF Montreal: 1, Draws: 3
Last five games:
FC Dallas 2-2 CF Montreal (MLS)
CF Montreal 3-3 FC Dallas (MLS)
FC Dallas 2-0 CF Montreal (MLS)
CF Montreal 1-2 FC Dallas (MLS)
FC Dallas 2-0 CF Montreal (MLS)
FC Dallas vs CF Montreal Prediction
Both sides looked well-disciplined and organised on matchday one, and few expect that to change with another solid defensive showcase set to dominate the game. However, both teams can create chances although they still have work to do regarding finishing off chances.
Prediction: 1-1
FC Dallas vs CF Montreal Betting Tips
FC Dallas vs CF Montreal Betting Tips:
- Draw.
- Both teams to score: Yes
- Total goals over 2.5: No
FC Dallas vs CF Montreal Odds:
- FC Dallas: 1.98
- Draw: 3.50
- CF Montreal: 3.75
FC Dallas vs CF Montreal Timings and Telecast
- Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas – March 2, 2024 at 8:30 PM ET
- India: MLS Season Pass
- United Kingdom: MLS Season Pass
- US: Apple TV.