Toronto vs Orlando City Predictions

Toronto vs Orlando City predictions ahead of this MLS clash. Toronto can end their losing streak in MLS when they return to BMO Field on Wednesday to face Orlando City. Read on for our match preview and free betting tips.

Major League Soccer | Jul 4, 2024 at 12.30am UK at BMO Field

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Toronto vs Orlando City Predictions

Will Toronto FC End Their Winless Streak Against Orlando City?

Toronto FC will aim to halt their losing streak when they host Orlando City at BMO Field. Both teams are coming off defeats, with Toronto losing to Atlanta United and Orlando suffering a heavy loss to New York City FC. This fixture offers both sides a chance to regain some momentum in their respective MLS campaigns.

Current Form and Tactical Insights

Toronto FC

Toronto FC’s recent form has been abysmal, with the team currently on a seven-match winless run in MLS. Their inability to hold leads and their defensive frailties have been significant contributors to their struggles. In their last outing, a late goal by Atlanta United condemned them to their fourth consecutive defeat. This pattern of conceding late goals has been a recurring issue, reflecting a lack of composure and concentration in the latter stages of matches.

Toronto FC’s Probable Lineup:

• Goalkeeper: Luka Gavran
• Defenders: Kosi Thompson, Shane O’Neill, Sigurd Rosted
• Midfielders: Deybi Flores, Matthew Longstaff, Derrick Etienne Jr.
• Forwards: Federico Bernardeschi, Lorenzo Insigne, Prince-Osei Owusu

Toronto’s setup will likely focus on utilising the creativity of Bernardeschi and Insigne to unlock Orlando’s defence. The midfield pairing of Flores and Longstaff will be crucial in both shielding the defence and initiating attacks.

Orlando City

Orlando City have been equally inconsistent, currently sitting 11th in the Eastern Conference. Their recent 4-2 defeat to New York City FC highlighted their defensive vulnerabilities, which have been a recurring theme this season. Despite their ability to score goals, their defensive lapses have cost them crucial points.

Orlando City’s Probable Lineup:

• Goalkeeper: Pedro Gallese
• Defenders: Dagur Dan Thorhallsson, Rodrigo Schlegel, Robin Jansson, Rafael Santos
• Midfielders: Mauricio Pereyra, Cesar Araujo
• Forwards: Facundo Torres, Ivan Angulo, Martin Ojeda, Duncan McGuire

Orlando will rely on the attacking trio of Torres, Angulo, and McGuire to break down Toronto’s defence. The midfield partnership of Pereyra and Araujo will be key in controlling the tempo and providing defensive cover.

Key Player Duels

Federico Bernardeschi vs. Robin Jansson

Bernardeschi, Toronto’s leading scorer, will be a constant threat with his dribbling and creativity. Jansson, tasked with marking him, will need to be at his best to contain Bernardeschi’s influence on the game.

Duncan McGuire vs. Shane O’Neill

McGuire, Orlando’s top scorer, will challenge O’Neill and Toronto’s defence with his movement and finishing ability. O’Neill’s ability to manage McGuire will be pivotal in determining Toronto’s defensive stability.

Gameplay Dynamics

This match is expected to be an open affair with both teams likely to adopt an attacking approach. Toronto, desperate to end their winless streak, will push forward aggressively, potentially leaving spaces at the back. Orlando, with their pace and creativity in attack, will look to exploit these gaps, making for an end-to-end contest.

Suggestions for Improvement

Toronto FC

Toronto must focus on improving their defensive organisation and maintaining concentration throughout the match. Their tendency to concede late goals indicates a need for better game management and defensive discipline.

Orlando City

Orlando need to tighten up defensively and avoid lapses in concentration that have cost them dearly. Ensuring a compact defensive structure while maintaining their attacking threat will be crucial.

Managerial Critique

John Herdman’s tenure at Toronto has been marred by inconsistency and a lack of defensive solidity. His side’s tendency to concede late goals suggests issues with fitness and concentration, aspects that need urgent addressing.

Oscar Pareja has managed to instill an attacking identity in Orlando, but their defensive frailties remain a significant concern. His tactical approach needs to balance their offensive prowess with greater defensive resilience.

Predictions

Best Bet: Draw

Given the inconsistencies of both teams and their defensive vulnerabilities, a draw appears to be the most likely outcome. Both teams have shown the ability to score but also to concede, making a balanced result probable.

Correct Score Prediction: Toronto FC 2-2 Orlando City

Aligning with the best bet, a 2-2 draw seems plausible. Both teams possess attacking threats capable of scoring multiple goals, but their defensive lapses suggest neither will keep a clean sheet.

Goalscorer Prediction: Federico Bernardeschi to Score

Bernardeschi, Toronto’s top scorer, is expected to find the net. His form and creativity make him a constant threat, and against an Orlando defence that has struggled, he is likely to score.

First Half Result: Draw

Considering both teams’ tendencies to start cautiously and their defensive issues, a draw at half-time is a reasonable prediction. Both sides will likely feel each other out before opening up in the second half.

Innovative Market Prediction: Total Corners Over 9.5

Given the attacking tendencies and defensive frailties of both teams, this match is likely to see numerous goal-scoring opportunities and, consequently, corners. Betting on over 9.5 corners is supported by the data, with both teams averaging a high number of corners per game.

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