Montreal vs Vancouver – News and Probable Lineups

The Vancouver Whitecaps have an opportunity to establish a club record for points in an MLS regular season with a victory against CF Montreal at Saputo Stadium this Saturday.

Last year’s MLS Cup finalists are set to finish at the top of the Western Conference after a stunning 5-1 victory over the Seattle Sounders last week, whereas Montreal will conclude their season at the bottom of the Eastern Conference after a 1-1 draw with New York City FC in their latest fixture.

Match overview

Montreal will wrap up another challenging MLS season this weekend, finding it difficult to make any significant strides in 2026.

Philippe Eullaffroy’s squad is currently on a seven-match winless streak across all competitions, earning just two points from their domestic matches during this period.

They could end the year on a slightly positive note, as a victory against Vancouver would surpass their total points from 2025 (28).

Meanwhile, securing at least one point on Saturday would guarantee they avoid the worst record in the league, as they are currently three points ahead of Sporting Kansas City with a significantly better goal differential.

The CFM team has suffered four losses in their last five home fixtures at Saputo Stadium, with six failures to find the net at home in the league this season.

On Saturday, they have the chance to extend their unbeaten run against the Caps at home to eight matches, having triumphed 2-1 against them at Saputo Stadium during the Canadian Championship semi-finals earlier this year.

Vancouver has enjoyed another impressive regular season and appears to be strong contenders to reach the MLS Cup final once more, hoping to clinch the trophy this time.

As Decision Day approaches, Jesper Sorensen’s team has just two fewer points compared to their total at the conclusion of the 2025 regular season, and they can also achieve a club record for regular-season victories with another win this Saturday.

Entering this weekend, they are in excellent form, having won their last two league matches with a cumulative score of 9-2.

It is fortunate for them that they have home-field advantage in the West, as they have dropped points in four of their last five league outings away from home, and could see consecutive losses on the road in the competition for the first time this year.

The Whitecaps lead the league in expected goals this season (70.3) and have created more significant chances than any other team so far (124).

This team has managed to score a goal or less in eight of their away league games in 2026, but they have never lost an away fixture in MLS this year when they found the net first.

Team News

Montreal is expected to be without Prince Owusu, Jalen Neal, Bode Hidalgo, and Brayan Ceballos due to lower-body injuries, and Thomas Gillier is doubtful with a back issue.

Daniel Rios scored in stoppage time last Saturday, helping his team secure a draw at Yankee Stadium.

On the Vancouver side, ankle injuries are likely to sideline Emmanuel Sabbi and Andres Cubas, while Belal Halbouni is dealing with a knee injury, Kenji Cabrera has a foot issue, and Jeevan Badwal is uncertain due to a hamstring strain.

Brian White has netted three goals in his last two league appearances, including a brace against the Sounders, while Ryan Gauld, Matias Laborda, and Aleksa Cvetkovic also scored last Sunday.

CF Montreal probable starting XI:

Keita; Bugaj, Morales, Vera, Radojevic; Piette, Pereira; Synchuk, Longstaff, Carmona; Sanchez

Vancouver Whitecaps probable starting XI:

Takaoka; Ocampo, Laborda, Veselinovic, Prisoner; Cvetkovic, Larraz; Sabaly, Muller, Gould; White

The Caps are in fine form and showing no signs of letting up. Although they have already secured the top position in the West, we anticipate they will overpower Montreal, who have struggled defensively throughout this season.