CF Montreal and Toronto FC are struggling in the bottom half of the Eastern Conference and both will be keen to boost their playoff prospects when they go head-to-head at Saputo Stadium.
Securing a top-nine finish is going to be a challenge for Montreal, who had a huge mountain to climb after losing six of their opening seven MLS games.
But the Quebec outfit have been heading in the right direction under interim head coach Philippe Eullaffroy, who has overseen three wins, two draws and two defeats in his three-month stint at the helm.
Montreal are playing with greater belief and they signed off for the break with a 4-4 draw at D.C. United after scoring two injury-time goals.
However, they have mustered only 14 points from 14 games and are on the same tally as Toronto, who have been going through a miserable period.
The Reds had made a bright start to the campaign with 10 points taken from the opening six games, but they hit the buffers in April and May and reached the break on a nine-game winless run.
CF Montreal v Toronto FC Tips Summary
Best Bet - CF Montreal to win @ 23/20
Alternative Bet - Wiki Carmona to assist a goal @ 9/2
Bet Builder - Prince Osei Owusu to score the first goal, Josh Sargent to have one or more shots on target & Over 2 goals @ 9/1
CF Montreal v Toronto FC Prediction
Best Bet: CF Montreal to win @ 24/25
Montreal have amassed 10 of their 14 points at Saputo Stadium and can make home advantage count against Toronto, who have been tumbling down the standings.
Unreliable defending continues to cause issues for Montreal, who shipped eight goals in their last three matches before the break.
But they always have a chance of outsourcing the opposition thanks to the excellent options they have up front.
Centre-forward Prince Osei Owusu tops the Montreal scoring charts with nine goals, including a hat-trick in the 4-4 draw at D.C. United last time out.
And there have been improved recent contributions from Mexican striker Daniel Rios, who has scored twice in his last four appearances.
Les Rouges will be aware of the threats, but they may struggle to cope.
Robin Fraser's side have shipped multiple goals in six of their last seven matches and their long winless run is set to continue.
Alternative Bet: Wiki Carmona to assist a goal @ 9/2
Another key component of Montreal's lively attack is Venezuelan attacking midfielder Wiki Carmona.
The 23-year-old has scored four goals but his creative side makes him an especially influential player.
Carmona has set up 26 chances - more than any other Montreal player - and looks primed to increase his modest tally of two assists.
CF Montreal v Toronto FC Bet Builder Tip
Prince Osei Owusu to score the first goal
Josh Sargent to have one or more shots on target
Over 2 goals
Pays 9/1
Nine-goal striker Prince Osei Owusu has been the main goal getter for Montreal and he looks like a solid option to open the scoring.
Osei Owusu has had a couple of months to savour his hat-trick against D.C. United, but he could be just as effective against Toronto, who have often struggled in defence.
Attack may be the best form of defence for both sides and the biggest threat for Toronto could come from former Norwich City striker Josh Sargent.
The switch from Norfolk to Ontario seems to be working out well enough for Sargent, who has netted three times in eight appearances for his new club.
He should cause a few problems for the hosts and can at least register an effort on target.
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Key Match Stats
Five of the last seven MLS meetings between these sides have seen both teams score
Four of the last seven matches between these teams have generated at least four goals
Montreal have won three of their last five home fixtures
Toronto last three league games have featured at least three goals
Toronto have lost and both teams have scored in their last three MLS matches
The Reds have not won any of their last eight MLS game
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
