Burkina Faso
Czech Republic
Indonesia
Lithuania
Montenegro
Nigeria
North Macedonia

Preview: Charlotte FC vs. CF Montreal - prediction, team news, lineups

sportsmole.co.uk, 22 June 2023, 20:40
Two teams separated by just two points in the middle of the Major League Soccer Eastern Conference will square off on Saturday, as Charlotte FC entertain CF Montreal.

Thanks to back-to-back victories, the visitors now sit eighth in the division, while their hosts have dropped to 10th spot in the midst of a winless run.

Match preview

After initially enduring a tough start to the Major League Soccer season, in which they lost their opening three games, Charlotte FC quickly improved their fortunes to strengthen their position in the Eastern Conference, amassing 21 points from the next 12 outings.

In that span between mid-March and the end of May, Christian Lattanzio's side managed six victories, including three in a row over New York City FC, Atlanta United and Chicago Fire in May, before the run culminated in a 1-0 victory away at Los Angeles Galaxy thanks to Karol Swiderski's goal.

The Crown have been unable to add another notch to their wins column in four further attempts since, though, having firstly lost 1-0 away at Philadelphia Union before suffering a 4-2 beating at the hands of Columbus Crew with goals from Swiderski and Justin Meram not enough to trigger a turnaround.

Lattanzio's side now head into the weekend on the back of consecutive draws, firstly splitting the points in a meeting with Seattle Sounders which ended three goals apiece, thanks to Patrick Agyemang's 89th-minute leveller, before they were most recently held to a 2-2 draw away at New York Red Bulls on Thursday, despite going 2-0 up through an early Ben Bender brace, as Dante Vanzeir and Cameron Harper levelled the scores for the hosts in the second half.

As a result of their disappointing run this month, Charlotte FC have quickly dropped to 10th place in the Eastern Conference, but with the middle of the division still very tight at this stage and with the visitors just two points better off, they will aim to reverse their fortunes and begin climbing again with a much-needed return to winning ways on Saturday.

They meet a CF Montreal side on a different trajectory, with the visitors having improved in recent months after a difficult start to the league campaign.

After seven games of the MLS season, CF Montreal sat in a particularly concerning position with just three points on the board having suffered six defeats and conceded 17 goals while only scoring three, all of which came in their solitary 3-2 triumph over Philadelphia Union.

Dejected from that poor start, Hernan Losada's men were able to turn their fortunes round in style as they then put four straight wins on the board across late April and early May, and after amassing four points from the following five outings, they sat on 19 from their 16 games.

L'Impact now head into the weekend having again put consecutive wins together to take that tally to 25, though, firstly thrashing Minnesota United 4-0 earlier in June as Mason Toye hit a brace alongside goals from Zachary Brault-Guillard and Rudy Camacho, before they most recently hosted Nashville SC and came out on top with Bryce Duke netting the only goal of the game around the half-hour mark.

Now with renewed confidence in the camp once again, CF Montreal find themselves in eighth spot in the Eastern Conference, and with just a two-point gap to seventh-placed Orlando City and a three-point gap to sixth-placed Columbus Crew, Losada's men will seek to continue their climb into the top seven with a third straight victory at the weekend.

Charlotte FC Major League Soccer form:

L

W

L

L

D

D

CF Montreal Major League Soccer form:

L

W

D

L

W

W

Team News

Charlotte FC were without key forward and top scorer Karol Swiderski for their recent meeting with New York Red Bulls, as he was away on international duty with Poland, and after coming off the bench in their eventual defeat to Moldova, it is yet to be seen whether he will return in time to feature from the start for the Crown on Saturday.

We will also not yet see new arrival Scott Arfield, who will be able to kick off his career in the Queen City in early July after joining following spells at Rangers and Burnley, while his former Clarets teammate Ashley Westwood will continue to don the captain's armband and play a key role in the midfield in the meantime.

Should Swiderski not return to contention in time to come back in and lead the line for Lattanzio's side, Enzo Copetti should start up front with Kerwin Vargas, Kamil Jozwiak and Justin Meram fighting for spots on the wings in a 4-3-3 setup, while Ben Bender will again get forward from the midfield after his brace inside the first 20 minutes against New York Red Bulls.

CF Montreal are also dealing with an attacking absence, as Romell Quioto remains sidelined with a muscle injury after hitting a team joint-high tally of three goals in his first seven MLS appearances of the season.

Without him, Mason Toye and Sunusi Ibrahim partnered up up front last time out, although Chinonso Offor has also managed three league goals this term and will be keen to break into the attack from the start, while Bryce Duke will again offer support from an advanced midfield role.

Following their recent victories, Losada is unlikely to make many changes to his starting XI, with former Tottenham Hotspur man Victor Wanyama bound to again play a key role in midfield, while Joel Waterman, Rudy Camacho and Gabriele Corbo should all keep their places in a back three.

Charlotte FC possible starting lineup:

Kahlina; Lindsey, Corujo, Malanda, Byrne; Westwood, Bronico, Bender; Jozwiak, Copetti, Meram

CF Montreal possible starting lineup:

Sirois; Waterman, Camacho, Corbo; Brault-Guillard, Wanyama, Choiniere, Lassiter; Duke; Toye, Ibrahim

We say: Charlotte FC 0-1 CF Montreal

With a Charlotte FC team lacking confidence, and possibly their key forward, meeting a resurgent CF Montreal outfit on the back of consecutive clean sheets and wins, we can only envisage the visitors continuing their streak and coming out on top on Saturday.

How to watch

You can watch Charlotte FC vs. CF Montreal and every MLS match this season live on Apple TV. Click here for more details on how to subscribe.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

Previews by email
22 June 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Gamba Osaka vs. Kashima Antlers - prediction, team news, lineups
Gamba Osaka will be looking to continue their fine run of form when they welcome Kashima Antlers to Panasonic Stadium Suita in the J League on Saturday evening.
22 June 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Cruzeiro vs. Sao Paulo - prediction, team news, lineups
Fresh off their 2-0 win in midweek Sao Paulo will be making the trip to face Cruzeiro this Saturday in their latest Brasileiro fixture.
22 June 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Fulham 'enter race for Southampton's James Ward-Prowse'
Fulham have reportedly entered the race to sign Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse.
22 June 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Fluminense vs. Bahia - prediction, team news, lineups
Still aiming to break into the top four in the Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A, Fluminense will welcome Bahia to the Maracana on Saturday.
22 June 2023
talksport.com
Tonali oozes class with stunning free-kick assist as £60m Newcastle switch edges closer
Sandro Tonali showed Newcastle supporters exactly what he's about with a stunning assist for Italy under-21s.
22 June 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Kyoto Sanga vs. Yokohama FC - prediction, team news, lineups
Kyoto Sanga will be looking to get back to winning ways when they host an in-form Yokohama FC side in the J1 League on Saturday night at Sanga Stadium.
22 June 2023
talksport.com
Chesterfield sign EFL goal-machine in hope of emulating Wrexham's blueprint
Chesterfield have completed the landmark signing of Will Grigg to spearhead their National League title charge.
22 June 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Fortaleza vs. Atletico Mineiro - prediction, team news, lineups
Atletico Mineiro will be hoping to keep the pressure on at the top of the Brasileiro on Saturday when they make the trip to face Fortaleza.
22 June 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Chelsea owners agree to buy Strasbourg
Strasbourg have announced that a deal is in place for BlueCo, who bought Chelsea last summer, to become the club's new owners.
22 June 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Seattle Sounders vs. Orlando City - prediction, team news, lineups
After missing out on top spot in the MLS Western Conference due to a midweek defeat, Seattle Sounders aim to bounce back on Saturday, when they host Orlando City, who occupy a playoff spot in the East.
22 June 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Sporting Kansas City vs. Chicago Fire - prediction, team news, lineups
Sporting Kansas City seeks their first MLS victory in three games when they welcome Chicago Fire to Children's Mercy Park on Sunday.
22 June 2023
talksport.com
Chelsea have already spent Havertz funds as Boehly's multi-club model takes shape
Chelsea's owners have purchased a majority stake in French club Strasbourg for near enough the same fee they are selling Kai Havertz for.
22 June 2023
talksport.com
Villa fans say Ramsey is 'better than Bellingham' after England masterclass
Aston Villa supporters have lauded their wonderkid Jacob Ramsey after his sublime effort for England under-21s.
22 June 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
England begin Under-21 Euros campaign with Czech Republic win
England Under-21s began their bid for Under-21 Euro 2023 glory in perfect fashion with an opening 2-0 win over Czech Republic Under-21s in Group C.
22 June 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Manchester United, Liverpool 'fall behind in Marcus Thuram race'
Manchester United and Liverpool have reportedly fallen behind AC Milan in the race to sign France international Marcus Thuram.
22 June 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Urawa Red Diamonds vs. Kawasaki Frontale - prediction, team news, lineups
Urawa Red Diamonds will be looking to extend their unbeaten run in the J1 League when they welcome Kawasaki Frontale to Saitama Stadium 2002 on Saturday.
22 June 2023
talksport.com
Vicario foiled a robbery, played idol on debut and made wondersave from Abraham
Guglielmo Vicario might not be the name Tottenham fans expected to replace Hugo Lloris but he has had quite the career.
22 June 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Adrien Rabiot 'prefers Premier League move amid Manchester United links'
Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot would reportedly favour a move to the Premier League this summer amid interest from Manchester United.
22 June 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Arsenal 'keeping tabs on Barcelona teen Aleix Garrido'
Arsenal are reportedly one of a number of clubs monitoring the progress of Barcelona starlet Aleix Garrido.
22 June 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Austin FC vs. Houston Dynamo - prediction, team news, lineups
Austin FC seeks back-to-back wins in MLS when they welcome in-form Houston Dynamo to the Q2 Stadium on Saturday night.
22 June 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Manchester United, Chelsea 'close to reaching £60m Mason Mount agreement'
Manchester United are reportedly close to reaching an agreement with Chelsea over a £60m deal to sign midfielder Mason Mount.
22 June 2023
talksport.com
Davies chooses to leave Everton after 13 years amid Rangers interest
Tom Davies has left Everton due to his desire for 'regular first team football'.
22 June 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Manchester United 'given green light to make Goncalo Ramos approach'
Benfica have reportedly told Goncalo Ramos's agent Jorge Mendes that they would be willing to sell the striker this summer.
22 June 2023
talksport.com
Mohamed Salah posts workout pictures ahead of return to Liverpool for pre-season training
Mohamed Salah is leaving no stone unturned in his quest to fire Liverpool back into the Premier League title reckoning next season.
22 June 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Chelsea, Arsenal 'tracking £55m Everton midfielder Amadou Onana'
Chelsea and Arsenal are reportedly both keeping tabs on Amadou Onana's situation at Everton this summer.
22 June 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Portland Timbers vs. New York City FC - prediction, team news, lineups
In a rematch of the 2021 MLS Cup final, the Portland Timbers wrap up their two-game homestand with a date against New York City FC at Providence Park on Saturday.
22 June 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Celtic confirm Odin Thiago Holm signing on five-year deal
Celtic have announced the signing of Norwegian midfielder Odin Thiago Holm for an undisclosed fee from Valerenga Fotball.
22 June 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Union vs. Independiente - prediction, team news, lineups
Independiente set out to pick up back-to-back wins for the first time since the turn of the year when they take on Union at the Estadio 15 de Abril on Saturday.
22 June 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Inter Milan forward Lautaro Martinez 'wants Chelsea move this summer'
Inter Milan forward Lautaro Martinez is reportedly keen on the possibility of joining Chelsea this summer.
22 June 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Bournemouth 'closing in on Justin Kluivert transfer'
Bournemouth are reportedly close to completing the signing of Roma winger Justin Kluivert.
22 June 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Chelsea's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang 'rejects move to Saudi Pro League'
Chelsea attacker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is reportedly against the idea of moving to the Saudi Pro League in the summer transfer window.
22 June 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Philadelphia Union vs. Inter Miami - prediction, team news, lineups
Seeking to avoid a third successive MLS game without a win, Philadelphia Union play host to Eastern Conference basement club Inter Miami at Subaru Park on Sunday.
22 June 2023
talksport.com
Liverpool fans breathe sigh of relief after Salah 'transfer' confirmed
Liverpool fans were sent into a panic when news broke that Mohamed Salah had signed for Saudi Pro League club Al-Adalah.
22 June 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: San Jose Earthquakes vs. St Louis City - prediction, team news, lineups
Two teams in contention for top spot in the MLS Western Conference meet on Saturday, as San Jose Earthquakes host St Louis City.
22 June 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Roma offered chance to sign Manchester United's Donny van de Beek?
Roma have been offered the chance to sign Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek this summer, according to a report.
22 June 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Columbus Crew vs. Nashville SC - prediction, team news, lineups
Nashville SC make the journey north to Ohio to lock horns with Columbus Crew at Lower.com Field for an Eastern Conference clash in MLS on Sunday.
Show more

Top News

18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Italy and Germany will continue their long-standing footballing rivalry when they meet in a two-legged quarter-final in the UEFA Nations League this week, starting with a showdown in Milan on Thursday. 18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Aston Villa are reportedly prepared to cash in on midfielder Enzo Barrenechea during the summer transfer window. 18 March 2025 talksport.com There will be no Premier League football this weekend as the top-flight pauses for a scheduled mid-March break. 18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Arsenal intend to begin formal discussions with Bukayo Saka over a new contract ahead of his comeback from a long-term hamstring injury, according to a report. 18 March 2025 talksport.com Abdukodir Khusanov was welcomed home in style as he received a £135,000 Mercedes upon returning to Uzbekistan for international duty. 18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Nottingham Forest are reportedly ready to fend off Liverpool if they express an interest in one of their star players. 18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Kosovo will host Iceland at the Stadiumi Fadil Vokrri on Thursday evening in the first of their two-legged matchup in the UEFA Nations League promotion/relegation playoffs. 18 March 2025 talksport.com Next season The Premier League will be provided match balls by Puma, a decision that is likely to be an unpopular one with Mikel Arteta. 18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester City are reportedly prepared to let one of their first-team midfielders leave the club in the summer transfer window. 18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Hong Kong and Macao return to international action for the first time in 2025 on Wednesday, when they meet in a friendly at Mong Kok Stadium. 18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Chelsea have condemned the "abhorrent" racist abuse directed at defender Wesley Fofana following Sunday's 1-0 defeat at Arsenal in the Premier League. 18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Mauricio Pochettino has admitted that he would like to return to Tottenham Hotspur at some stage in the future. 18 March 2025 talksport.com Bournemouth are leading the race to sign Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher ahead of their Premier League rivals, talkSPORT understands. 18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk All transfer business is done and dusted for this season, but that doesn't stop clubs from preparing ahead for next season. 18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk For the first time in the CONCACAF Nations League, Canada and Mexico will face each other, with a spot in the final at stake on Thursday at SoFi Stadium. 18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk In the first semi-final of the 2024-25 CONCACAF Nations League, the reigning three-time champions, the USA, host Panama on Thursday at SoFi Stadium in California. 18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk On Thursday Jordan will look to climb into a top two position when they host Palestine at Amman International Stadium on matchday seven of the World Cup 2026 qualification cycle for both teams. 18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Real Madrid are reportedly prepared to step up their pursuit of Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen over the international break. 18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester United have reportedly included Victor Osimhen on a four-man striker shortlist for the summer transfer window. 18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Ipswich Town have reportedly been impressed by Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland but could face competition from Sunderland for his signature. 17 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk The first international break of the year will see Liberia take on Tunisia at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex this Wednesday in the fifth round of the CAF 2026 World Cup qualifiers. 17 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk The first clash in this international break's double-header sees the Central African Republic face Madagascar at Larbi Zaouli Stadium in neutral Morocco on Wednesday in the fifth round of the CAF 2026 World Cup qualifying series. 17 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Liverpool are reportedly prepared to consider selling Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz as it emerges they have seemingly made contact with Newcastle United forward Alexander Isak. 17 March 2025 talksport.com A Bulgarian first division team held a minute's silence for a former player... only to later discover he's still alive. 17 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Lionel Messi has been omitted from Argentina's squad list for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil. 17 March 2025 talksport.com After some backlash to his claims that he's the greatest player of all time, Cristiano Ronaldo has some support in the opposition dugout. 17 March 2025 talksport.com After some backlash to his claims that he's the greatest of all time, Cristiano Ronaldo has some support in the opposition dugout. 17 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Reigning European champions Barcelona Women will head to Germany for Wednesday's Women's Champions League clash against Wolfsburg Women. 17 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Just a few days after they face off in the Women's League Cup final, Manchester City Women will lock horns with Chelsea Women in the first leg of the Women's Champions League quarter-finals. 17 March 2025 talksport.com Crystal Palace sporting director Dougie Freedman has left the club, the Premier League side have announced.