Toronto FC vs CF Montréal: a must-win derby with the playoff line in sight
Toronto sit four points off the cutline with seven games left and face the East's bottom side at BMO Field.
Toronto FC host CF Montréal at BMO Field on Saturday (1 p.m. ET, on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV) in what Toronto's own coach and players are treating as close to a must-win.
What's at stake
Toronto are four points off a playoff spot with seven games remaining, according to TFC Republic's preview, and four of those seven matches are away from home. TSN's preview puts Toronto on 29 points. Montréal are last in the Eastern Conference on 24.
Toronto coach Robin Fraser said, per TSN, that the situation has a "must-win" feel and that the team is running out of opportunities. Midfielder Niklas Dorsch said Toronto need the points badly, and TFC Republic reports he believes a loss would almost end the Reds' playoff push. Next up after Montréal are Orlando City (34 points) and Red Bull New York (33).
Form
Toronto arrive on a three-match losing streak. Montréal lost five straight league games over three weeks, then won 3-1 at FC Cincinnati on September 26. They have also reached the Canadian Championship final after beating Vancouver 3-2 on aggregate.
The most recent meeting, on July 16 at Stade Saputo, finished 0-0.
Players to watch
For Montréal, Alexis Sánchez, 37, signed as a Designated Player on August 11, and Prince Owusu has 15 goals this season, including two against Cincinnati. Fraser said Montréal have been steadily improving under their coach.
TFC Republic's projected lineup has Sallói, Sargent and Corbeanu up front for Toronto; these are projections, not confirmed teams. Neither preview mentioned injuries or suspensions, so check the official team sheets before kickoff.
Why it matters
Toronto cannot afford to drop points to the East's last-placed side if the cutline is to stay within reach, while Montréal have little left to lose and some recent momentum.