Orlando City vs Toronto FC Prediction - MLS Picks

Orlando City, currently in 27th place with 0 points, will be looking to bounce back after a mixed bag of recent results (two wins, two losses, and two draws in their last six matches). Meanwhile, Toronto FC, sitting at 16th with 1 point, aims to improve their form after three draws and three losses in their last six outings.

Weather conditions are expected to be chilly with temperatures around 2°C and scattered clouds, making it crucial for players to stay sharp. Both teams are without suspensions, although Orlando City will be missing some key players due to injury.

A high-scoring affair is likely, given their past encounters and recent form. The recommended bet is on over 2.5 goals. Our prediction sees Orlando City leveraging their home advantage for a win, considering their superior odds and recent form against Toronto FC.

Orlando City vs Toronto FC Prediction & Betting Tip

Given the match facts, the recommended betting tip for this fixture is Over 2.5 goals. This tip is chosen based on both teams’ recent scoring form and their head-to-head history, which often sees multiple goals.

• Both teams have seen multiple goals scored in their recent matches and head-to-head encounters.
• Orlando City averages 2 goals per game in their last 5 matches, while Toronto FC has been involved in some high-scoring affairs.
• Previous encounters between the two sides have produced goal-heavy matches, making a high-scoring game likely.

Orlando City Team Analysis

Orlando City has had mixed fortunes in their last five matches, starting with a loss and ending on a more positive note. Despite the varied results, they have shown some attacking prowess, averaging 2 goals per game across these matches. The team has managed a clean sheet only once in the last five outings.

Orlando City’s recent form is characterized by scoring in 4 out of their last 5 matches, but their inconsistency has kept them in a lower position in the standings. The team will be keen to build on their recent win against Atlanta United as they face Toronto FC.

Orlando City Key Players

Orlando City will look to their top scorer, Marco Pasalic, who has netted two goals so far, to lead their attacking efforts. Pasalic’s duel with Toronto FC’s Sigurd Rosted could be a pivotal battle in determining the game’s outcome. Another key player is Pedro Gallese, the experienced goalkeeper who will be instrumental in organizing the defense.
In the midfield, Eduard Atuesta and César Araújo are expected to control the tempo and create opportunities. Iván Angulo’s pace on the left wing against Henry Wingo could be decisive. Expected lineup for Orlando City:

• Goalkeeper: Pedro Gallese
• Defenders: Dagur Dan Thórhallsson, Rodrigo Schlegel, Robin Jansson, Rafael Santos
• Midfielders: Eduard Atuesta, César Araújo, Marco Pasalic, Martín Ojeda, Iván Angulo
• Forward: Ramiro Enrique

Orlando City Suspensions & Injuries

Orlando City is facing several injury concerns heading into the match against Toronto FC, which could significantly impact their performance.

These injuries to key players, especially McGuire, will require coach Óscar Pareja to make strategic adjustments in the lineup and could affect the team’s depth, particularly in the attack and midfield. No suspensions to report.

Orlando City Tactics and Formation

Orlando City Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Ramiro Enrique
• Midfield Trio: Eduard Atuesta, César Araújo, Martin Ojeda
• Defensive Alignment: Dagur Dan Thórhallsson, Rodrigo Schlegel, Robin Jansson, Rafael Santos

Orlando City, under Óscar Pareja, usually lines up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, providing a balanced approach both offensively and defensively. The team relies heavily on its midfield duo of Eduard Atuesta and César Araújo to control the tempo and protect the backline.

In attack, Martin Ojeda, in the attacking midfield role, orchestrates the playmaking, while Marco Pašalić and Iván Angulo provide width on the wings. Ramiro Enrique spearheads the attack, aiming to exploit the spaces behind the defense.

Defensively, the team will hope to maintain solidity at the back, with Pedro Gallese’s goalkeeping expected to be a crucial element. The back four must remain vigilant against Toronto FC’s counter-attacks to secure a clean sheet.

Toronto FC Team Analysis

Toronto FC’s recent stint isn’t their best, showcasing a mixed bag of results. With an average of 0.80 goals scored in their last 5 matches, they have struggled to find the back of the net consistently. Defensively, they’ve managed only one clean sheet in this period. Here’s a look at their last five fixtures:

Their recent matches result in 3 draws and 2 losses, signaling a challenge in holding onto leads and rounding off games with victories. It’s clear that more consistent play and better finishing are needed to turn their season around.

Toronto FC Key Players

Toronto FC looks to leverage the talents of Federico Bernardeschi, their top scorer with one goal so far. His playmaking abilities and knack for finding the net make him a key asset for Toronto. Another player to watch is Jonathan Osorio, expected to play up front and contribute to the offensive efforts. Expected lineup for Toronto FC:

• Goalkeeper: Sean Johnson
• Defenders: Henry Wingo, Kevin Long, Sigurd Rosted
• Midfielders: Federico Bernardeschi, Deybi Flores, Alonso Coello Camarero, Markus Cimermancic
• Forwards: Theo Corbeanu, Jonathan Osorio

Key individual battles will be Bernardeschi against Orlando’s defenders and Osorio trying to outmaneuver Orlando’s backline. These matchups will be crucial in determining Toronto’s success.

Toronto FC Suspensions & Injuries

Toronto FC has no reported injuries or suspensions for their match against Orlando City. This provides head coach Robin Fraser with a full squad to choose from, allowing him to field his best eleven. Having the full roster available could give Toronto a crucial edge as they seek to improve their standings early in the season. Players like Federico Bernardeschi and Jonathan Osorio will be pivotal in leveraging this advantage.

Toronto FC Tactics and Formation

Toronto FC’s Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-4-2
• Key Forward: Federico Bernardeschi
• Midfield Duo: Deybi Flores, Alonso Coello
• Defensive Strength: One clean sheet in the last five games.
• Notable Strategy: Concentrated attacks from the wings.

Toronto FC is expected to line up in a solid 4-4-2 formation for their upcoming match against Orlando City. This formation should provide a balanced approach, allowing them to be compact defensively while also providing width in attack.

Federico Bernardeschi is the focal point of their offense and will be heavily relied upon to create and score chances. The midfield pairing of Deybi Flores and Alonso Coello will look to control the tempo and offer defensive solidity.

Defensively, the integration of experienced players like Kevin Long and Sigurd Rosted will be crucial. Toronto FC has managed one clean sheet in their last five games, highlighting the need for further defensive improvement.

Fans can expect Toronto to utilize their wing play effectively, leveraging the pace and dribbling skills of their wide players to stretch Orlando City’s defense. To succeed, they’ll need to capitalize on scoring opportunities and maintain a tight defensive setup.

Orlando City vs Toronto FC Head-to-Head Statistics

The last five meetings between Orlando City and Toronto FC have been competitive. Here’s a breakdown:

Orlando City appears to have the upper hand in recent encounters, winning three of the last five matches. The most recent match on July 3, 2024, ended in a 2-1 away victory for Orlando City.