New York Red Bulls vs CF Montreal Prediction

Alright, gather round! We've got a right mismatch on our hands this Sunday evening as the New York Red Bulls host CF Montreal. It's top versus bottom in the early MLS standings, and if the form book is anything to go by, this could be a long old night for the visitors.

The Red Bulls have started the campaign like a house on fire, sitting pretty at the summit with six points from six available. They kicked things off with a solid 1-0 win against New England before backing it up with a 2-1 victory away at Orlando. That's two wins, two clean sheets at the back, and maximum momentum. When you're flying this high and playing at home against a side that's shipping goals for fun, you've got to fancy your chances.

Now then, let's talk about Montreal. Blimey, where do we start? They've conceded eight goals in just two games this season – a 3-0 pasting at Chicago followed by a 5-0 hammering against San Diego. That's not just bad, that's 'forget to pack the defence' bad. They're rooted to the bottom of the table with zero points and a goal difference that reads like a horror story. Away from home, they're leaking 2.38 goals per game on average, and that's being generous based on this season's start.

The head-to-head makes for grim reading if you're a Montreal fan too. The Red Bulls have won four of the last eight meetings between these two, including a comfortable 2-0 victory when they last met in September. New York's dominance at home against this lot is well established, and given the current form gap, it's hard to see anything other than another home win.

I know what you're thinking – 1.53 for the home win is skinny odds, ain't exactly going to buy you a new motor. But sometimes in this game, you've got to take the banker. Montreal can't defend, New York are confident and scoring, and the hosts are top of the shop while the visitors are propping up the table. It's money for old rope. If you're building an acca, this is your anchor. If you're playing singles and don't mind modest returns, it's as safe as houses.

Key Points:

• New York Red Bulls have won both MLS games this season (1-0 vs New England, 2-1 vs Orlando)

• CF Montreal have lost both MLS games, conceding 8 goals including a 5-0 thrashing by San Diego

• Red Bulls have won 4 of the last 8 meetings with Montreal, including the last encounter 2-0

• Montreal are conceding 2.38 goals per game away from home over their last 10 matches

• The hosts are top of the league (6 points) while visitors are bottom (0 points)

Summary: Back the Red Bulls to make it three wins from three. At 1.53, it's short but sweet against a Montreal side that's leaking goals like a sieve.