Major League Soccer is back after the World Cup break, with the Canadian Classique between CF Montreal and Toronto FC kicking things off at Saputo Stadium on Thursday. Montreal and Toronto both find themselves on the lower end of the Eastern Conference standings at this stage of the season, and a win here would be very valuable for either side.

Montreal are struggling towards the bottom of the overall MLS table in 24th position, and 11th in the Eastern Conference standings, with 14 points from 14 games.

Le CFM, and coach Philippe Eullaffroy in particular, will hope that the month-and-a-half-long break for the World Cup can be good for them, as their MLS form has been shaky.

While Montreal have won their last two games in the Canadian Championship quarterfinals (home and away) with 2-1 scorelines against Vancouver FC, their most recent MLS match back in May ended in a 4-4 draw with DC United.

Meanwhile, Toronto FC are also having a terrible season, and they find themselves 13th in the Eastern Conference table, and 26th in the overall table, with 14 points from 14 games.

Toronto's last MLS game saw them lose 2-1 away to Chicago Fire, with goals from Robin Lod and Andrew Gutman canceling out a Josh Sargent strike at Soldier Field on 24 May.

The Reds are struggling for consistency, and they have lost their last four MLS games. They will also hope that the return from the World Cup break brings them better fortunes.

This is expected to be a physical and highly contested game, with the winner likely jumping up numerous spots on the table, while the loser will be left in a difficult position.

Both teams have shown defensive vulnerabilities in the first 14 games of the MLS season, and there are likely to be goals at both ends.

Montreal are at home, so they should be able to secure a narrow win over Toronto.

Prediction: CF Montreal 2-1 Toronto FC

Tip 1: CF Montreal to win

Tip 2: Both teams to score

Tip 3: Over 2.5 goals

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