​CF Montreal v Toronto FC: Fraser preparing for physical derby test

Robin Fraser is preparing his Toronto FC players for a physical battle as they gear up for Saturday's clash with CF Montreal, with both teams struggling in MLS so far this season.

Montreal prop up the Eastern Conference standings with just seven points from 13 matches, though four of those have come in their last two games – a 1-0 win at New York City and a 1-1 home draw with the Columbus Crew.

Toronto, meanwhile, are just one place and three points better off, having followed up a 2-0 win over D.C. United with a 1-0 loss at home to FC Cincinnati on Wednesday.

With a tight turnaround to Saturday's derby at Stade Saputo, Fraser was asked what measures he will take in the coming days.

"We'll do what we need to do to get ourselves physically ready for a battle," he said.

Reflecting on Toronto's midweek loss to Cincinnati, the head coach added: "There are no moral victories. I know this and I understand this. 

"But again, I look at the effort of the group and it was fantastic. We probably just weren't as sharp as we needed to be.

"The performance doesn't have to be greatly different. If we connect a bit more, then we will create more opportunities."

Luca Donadel's Montreal, meanwhile, were pegged back in the second half of their draw with 2023 MLS Cup champions Columbus, having gone ahead via Luca Petrasso's goal.

Left-back Petrasso said of that result: "We know Columbus is one of the best teams in the league, if not the best team in the league.

"Obviously we have to learn and get better at closing out games like that, especially at home.

"But I think with the amount of games that we have coming up, we'll take that point, especially at home against Columbus."

PLAYERS TO WATCH 

CF Montreal – Prince Owusu 

Owusu has both scored (three) and assisted (two) more goals than any other Montreal player in MLS this season. 

He teed up Petrasso's opener against the Crew, having struck their winner in New York last Saturday. He has played a key role in their upturn and will hope to be involved again here.

Toronto FC – Federico Bernardeschi

Everything positive about Toronto's play still goes through Bernardeschi.

He leads all his team-mates for goal involvements (four), chances created (19), expected goals (3.08 xG), expected assists (2.42 xA) and successful dribbles (25) in 2025.

MATCH PREDICTION – CF Montreal 

Montreal eliminated Toronto from the Canadian Championship just over two weeks ago, triumphing on penalties after twice coming from behind in a 2-2 away draw.

And they enter this match as the Opta supercomputer's favourites, having turned a corner after making the joint-worst start to a season in MLS history (three points from 11 games).

Dating back to last August, Montreal have only lost two of their last nine home games in MLS (four wins, three draws including a shoot-out defeat to Atlanta United).

Charlotte FC and the Philadelphia Union are the only visiting teams to beat them in 90 minutes during that run, and Toronto have only won one of their last eight on the road (three draws, four defeats).

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

CF Montreal – 50.7%

Toronto FC – 24.3%

Draw – 25%