As is becoming a regular occurrence, the MLS weekend begins on Friday night and this week it does so with an Eastern Conference clash between the champions Toronto FC and Philadelphia Union at BMO Field.
Both sides have made poor starts to the campaign but we are getting to the stage whereby they need to get into their groove if they are to latch on to the better sides in the Conference.
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Toronto FC
To be fair to the champions they have not really focused on their MLS campaign just yet as they went deep in the North American Champions League but having agonisingly lost the final of that competition on penalties they now need to switch on in MLS. While MLS won’t determine whether they are back there next season it will ensure they can keep their better players.
With that in mind the time for excuses has run out for Greg Vanney and his men and they really need to find a run of consistent form. It looked like they had put the penalty defeat behind them last time out when they led the Chicago Fire 2-0 but they surrendered that lead to further escalate the pressure that is on them.
Philadelphia Union
It has been a strange start to the season for the Union. They have really struggled for goals apart from in two matches and in those matches they have looked a really good side so if they click in attacking areas then you get the feeling they could be a real tough nut to crack. Unfortunately there is a real Jekyll and Hyde nature to them.
The Union have only played two matches on the road this season and they have lost them both without scoring which would have to be a concern for them. You get the feeling this is a statement match for them and we might well find out whether they are playoff contenders here or just a run of the mill side.
Team News
Toronto FC will be without Jozy Altidore for this match as he has an injury. He joins Drew Moor and Nick Hagglund on the sidelines. Justin Morrow is rated as questionable to be involved in the contest.
Richie Marquez is out for Philadelphia Union with his hernia issue while the Union could also be without Fabinho who is questionable officially. David Accam will be pushing for a starting berth.
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Betting
I expect this to be the night that Toronto FC launch their season in style. I think they have had long enough to get over the disappointment of their agonising defeat in Mexico and will now focus their attention on getting among the pack in MLS.
Although their form is patchy we are likely to see their best line up and that should still have too much for a Philadelphia Union side who struggle on the road and really who don’t look natural at opening sides up. Toronto aren’t easy to break down at the best of times so I expect them to win this and cover a goal handicap.
Tips
WON – Back Toronto FC (-1AH) to beat Philadelphia Union for a 4/10 stake at 1.91 with BetVictor
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