Vancouver Whitecaps head coach Vanni Sartini has urged his crew to maintain combating for a playoff place as they journey to CF Montreal in MLS.
The Whitecaps have misplaced simply two of their final six matches and obtained again to successful methods on the highway with their 3-1 win over Minnesota United in midweek.
They’re now as much as fifth within the Western Convention, however Sartini is aware of they can’t relaxation on their laurels with the groups beneath them closing in.
“We hit like three or 4 performances the place we had been a little bit bit poor, and two wins the place we didn’t actually need to win,” Sartini stated.
“Enjoying extra defensive allowed us to get factors, however within the final two video games, we’ve returned to the shape that obtained large outcomes at first of the season.
“We have to put the costume from [Sporting] Kansas Metropolis on so we will combat to get the win. We have to hold going, everybody’s pleased after we’re combating for the playoffs and making a end in Montreal can be incredible.”
Montreal, in the meantime, are twelfth within the Japanese Convention, simply two factors off a playoff place after choosing up only one win of their final six outings.
Although they’re unbeaten in 4 at dwelling, they’ve struggled on the highway, with goalkeeper Jonathan Sirois lamenting a disjointed ahead show.
“Our forwards had a little bit bit extra hassle discovering one another and mixing [against New York City FC],” Sirois stated.
“I feel there are days like that, and it’s as much as us, the entire crew, to search out options collectively, however sadly, we didn’t try this.
“Sure, we created probabilities, however I feel there have been too few and that’s why we didn’t rating.”
Salut, Montréal! #VWFC | #MTLvVAN pic.twitter.com/gfywcEfy5J
— Vancouver Whitecaps FC (@WhitecapsFC) July 5, 2024
PLAYERS TO WATCH
CF Montreal – Sunusi Ibrahim
Sunusi Ibrahim has scored six targets for Montreal this season, greater than anybody else within the crew.
The Nigerian is with no aim in his final three video games although, and after managing only one shot within the defeat to NYCFC final day trip, he will likely be eager to regain his scoring contact.
Vancouver Whitecaps – Ryan Gauld
Ryan Gauld could also be Vancouver’s joint-top scorer with 9 targets this season (degree with Brian White), however he turned supplier on Wednesday towards Minnesota.
He assisted all three targets because the Whitecaps secured one other win, lifting him to the highest of their assists chart with six for the season.
MATCH PREDICTION: DRAW
There has not been a lot to separate the edges throughout the final eight conferences, with Montreal and Vancouver successful 4 apiece. The Whitecaps got here out on high once they final met in April 2023 with a 5-0 thrashing.
Montreal have gained simply certainly one of their final six matches (drawing three and shedding two). Nonetheless, that victory was of their final dwelling match as they beat the Philadelphia Union 4-1.
After back-to-back defeats, Vancouver have since gained their final two on the bounce, scoring seven targets throughout these victories.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
CF Montreal – 38.4%
Draw – 26.5%
Vancouver Whitecaps – 35.1%
