CF Montreal vs Columbus Crew Prediction: 15.05.2025 Major League Soccer Preview

As the Major League Soccer regular season rolls on, Saputo Stadium sets the stage for a showdown between two sides pursuing very different fortunes. CF Montreal, languishing near the bottom of the table, are desperate to turn their campaign around, while high-riding Columbus Crew aim to cement their place near MLS’ summit. With both managers—Marco Donadel and Wilfried Nancy—known for tactical flexibility, this match represents more than just points: it’s a test of mettle for Montreal and a statement opportunity for Columbus. One particularly intriguing subplot is the managers’ prior links—Nancy was of course once at the helm in Montreal, adding an extra twist in the tactical tug-of-war.

The spotlight will be on attacking focal point Prince-Osei Owusu for Montreal, whose tireless work rate belies a modest scoring record, and on Columbus’ creative engine Diego Rossi, whose incisiveness has made him a persistent threat for opposition defences. Both will be eager to tip this contest in their team’s favour—though much will depend on the midfield battle.

Hot stat: Columbus Crew have scored eight goals in their last five outings, double Montreal’s tally in the same period—a clear sign of their attacking prowess and confidence in front of goal.

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CF Montreal vs Columbus Crew prediction

I’m tipping Columbus Crew to take all three points, with a 2-1 win my main prediction. There’s ample reason for this: Crew have been consistent, boasting a 60% win rate over their last five matches and doubling Montreal in recent goal output. Montreal, meanwhile, have struggled to get out of second gear all campaign—particularly in front of their home fans and are scoring an average of only 0.5 goals per game this year. The visitors’ sharper attack and better balance between defence and midfield make them clear favourites; Columbus’ capacity for quick transitions and their clinical use of set-pieces offer an edge that Montreal struggle to match.

From a stylistic standpoint, Montreal have shown some bite—ten yellow cards in their last five matches tells its own story of aggressive defending—but that’s often a symptom of chasing the game. Their ball retention (they’ve completed 1,772 passes at 57% accuracy recently) is largely pedestrian compared to Crew’s crisper interplay (2,235 passes at 62% accuracy). Notably, Crew’s discipline and control (just six yellows in five matches) suggest they’re unlikely to self-destruct. Expect fouls, some chippy moments, and a Crew side that force openings from Montreal’s errors, especially late on.

Team Analysis

CF Montreal have endured a forgettable run, with just one win in their last five. Their most recent fixture against New York City did bring some relief—a hard-fought 1-0 victory where defensive resilience finally paid dividends. It halted a dispiriting losing streak and perhaps offers a sliver of optimism, but the broader context cannot be ignored: before that, Montreal had shipped goals at an alarming rate (shipping 10 in four games) and their inability to consistently generate clear chances—just four goals in the last five, two coming in a wild 5-4 win over struggling Toronto FC—suggests their attacking spark remains unreliable.

Columbus Crew, contrastingly, are in the middle of a purple patch. Their 2-2 draw against Philadelphia Union last time out saw them come from behind and dictate large portions of possession, underlining their ability to adjust mid-game. With only one defeat in their last five, Crew continue to strike a fine balance between risk and composure, highlighted by a 4-2 victory over Charlotte and tight, efficient wins over San Jose and St. Louis City. Their ball movement, aided by creative forces like Rossi and dynamic midfielders Sean Zawadzki and Dylan Chambost, translates to both control and cutting edge when it matters most.

Most recent Head-to-Head Matches

🚨Read our full CF Montreal vs Columbus Crew stats for more analysis.

Pre-game odds and win probability: Columbus Crew the favourite

The bookmakers have Columbus Crew as clear favourites—and rightly so. The Crew’s superior recent form, attacking sharpness, and proven ability to keep their composure under pressure are reflected in their relatively short price of around 2.27 to win. Montreal, meanwhile, are priced at just above 3.00, indicating low confidence in their ability to trouble a Crew side that have combined creative spark with defensive discipline. Odds for over 2.5 goals are inviting given both sides’ tendency for open games, while BTTS (Both Teams To Score) looks likely given history and Montreal’s urgent need for points.

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Possible Starting Lineups

CF Montreal possible starting eleven

The selection leans on manager Marco Donadel’s recent tendency to use a 3-4-3, shoring up the backline with Waterman and Campbell, while attacking duties fall to Owusu and Sealy—both tasked with exploiting any space behind Crew’s full-backs. Tom Pearce and Luca Petrasso offer energy out wide, while Sirois is once more between the sticks, hoping to repeat his heroic clean sheet from the last match. Keep a close eye on Owusu’s movement and Saliba’s passing—a rare bright spark amid an often laboured midfield. If Montreal want to contain Columbus, they’ll need to press as a unit and take their scant chances.

Columbus Crew possible starting eleven

Crew are expected to line up in their preferred 4-4-2, providing balance between resolution and fluidity. Schulte has been a steadying force in goal, while Moreira and Amundsen maintain composure at the back. Nagbe’s calmness and Rossi’s incisiveness drive the midfield, with Arfsten and Russell-Rowe operating as the main attacking duo—both in good form. Sean Zawadzki and Dylan Chambost deserve special mention for their box-to-box energy and tactical awareness, which will be crucial in dictating the game’s tempo. Nancy’s side are disciplined but do not lack invention, and their formation allows them to press high or drop into a compact block as needed.

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My take on the Match

Looking at the data, the performances, and the trajectory of both teams, the pick is clear: Columbus Crew to win, with a high likelihood both sides get on the scoresheet. Crew’s superior ball control, creative midfield, and attacking efficiency set them apart, while Montreal’s discipline and sporadic flashes will make them competitive but not quite enough for three points. An away win, 2-1, seems the sensible and supported outcome. Can Montreal conjure another upset, or will Columbus continue their hunt for the MLS’ top spot? It’s a proper test for both sides, but Crew’s steel and swagger should prevail.

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