In this edition of Oppo Research, Hudson River Blue spoke with Elias Grigoriadis of The Ball is Round Montreal to learn more about CF Montréal, New York City FC's Decision Day road opponent on Saturday night. Here is your NYCFC vs Montréal preview.
• League Form: L-W-W-W-D
• Record: 10W, 10D, 13L | 40 points, 9th place
• Scoring Leader: Josef Martínez, 10 goals
• Assist Leader: Raheem Edwards, 5 assists
2. Montréal are playing for a playoff spot
Hudson River Blue: CF Montréal likely need a result on Decision Day to clinch their spot in the wildcard round of the playoffs, which would be the team’s second playoff appearance in the last seven seasons. Could Montréal make the playoffs? And if so, how far could they go?
Elias Grigoriadis: While Montreal’s season has been very inconsistent, they’ve managed to secure good results at home against strong Eastern Conference competition. All they need is a draw to secure a play-in spot and that seems very likely despite the extremely one-sided nature of this tie.
Looking forward, it’s difficult to see them winning a three-game series against arguably the greatest MLS side ever assembled. They may be able to steal a game at home, but it’s tough to pick anyone in the league over a healthy Miami.
2. Defense tarting to improve under Laurent Courtois
HRB: Montréal’s 64 goals conceded are tied for the fourth most in MLS. The defense has always been a struggle for Montréal. What’s led to these issues, and how could they improve?
EG: Tactical instability and a seemingly steep learning curve for both the central midfielders and the wing backs have led to many situations where the back three are left to fend for themselves. This has largely contributed to the lopsided goal differential, but rookie coach Laurent Courtois’s tactics have finally begun to show real results since this international break, conceding just one goal at home since then.
3. Josef Martínez is still Montréal's No 9
HRB: Montréal has a true striker in Josef Martínez, but it seems like he’s not the long-term option. What does Montréal need to do in order to make sure the attack is set for the future?
EG: Younger options like Sunusi Ibrahim and Matias Coccaro have shown some great moments of quality, but still lack consistency and execution. If he can stay healthy, Martinez can be a top striker in MLS for another year or two. He is also very much embracing this newfound role of mentor to a very young attacking core.
4. The X-Factor: Montréal's midfield
HRB: What's the X-factor that could decide this game?
EG: The midfield will absolutely make or break this matchup. It has consistently been Montreal’s strongest phase of play but with Nathan Saliba suspended due to yellow card accumulation, there is a massive gap without anyone else on the team really able to operate at his level on both sides of the ball. Dryce Duke will likely drop into that spot as he has earlier this season, but Saliba’s absence will be felt against a very strong New York midfield.
5. Predicted score, Starting XI
HRB: Prediction time: Starting XI? Final score?
EG: Final Score: 2-1 Montreal.
