Preview & Prediction: Orlando City SC vs Columbus Crew

Orlando City SC, displaying a strong performance recently, has obtained 15 points from the last five encounters. With a current streak of three points per game and a goal in every match for the last fourteen home games, they pose a significant challenge for Columbus Crew. Astoundingly, they have remained unbeaten in their last 13 home games and will surely seek to extend this record. Orlando City SC’s defence has been commendable, recording 4 clean sheets in the last 5 matches, but they’ve been inconsistent in terms of scoring, with just 1 match out of the last 5 ending with both teams scoring.

Columbus Crew, however, managed 10 points from the last five encounters, averaging 2 points per game. Notably, four matches have ended with both teams scoring. Away from home, Crew’s scoring capability has been impressive with the last six road games featuring their names on the score sheet. Their last 28 games have seen at least 2 goals so Crew will hope to carry this momentum forward.

Looking ahead, the face-off on 26th May 2024 promises to be an intense one in the MLS. The last showdown ended in a 2-2 draw. Historically, of their 20 past head-to-head match-ups, Orlando City have had the upper hand with 9 wins compared to Columbus Crew’s 7, along with 4 draws. As it currently stands, Orlando City has been struggling on the home front, while Columbus Crew has fared well on the road.

An average of 3.5 goals have been scored in their previous meetings, with an occurrence of ‘Both Teams to Score’ (BTTS) 65% of the time. This season, Orlando City SC averages 0.86 points per home game while Columbus Crew averages 1.5 points per away fixture.

Insights

• Orlando City has been on a strong performance streak, picking up an average of 3 points per game from its last 5 matches, with 15 points in total.
• Orlando City’s scoring has been consistent, with goals scored in the last 5 games and a total of 8 goals scored.
• The team has an impressive home game record, with 3 consecutive wins and remaining unbeaten for 13 games.
• Orlando City has a strong home scoring record, having scored in its last 14 home games.
• The team’s momentum is high, as it has gone 7 games without a loss.
• Orlando City’s defence has been formidable, with 4 clean sheets in the last 5 games and only 2 goals conceded.
• Past head-to-head records favor Orlando City, having won 9 matches out of 20 against Columbus Crew, whereas Columbus Crew won 7.
• The likelihood of Orlando City scoring is high, as it has scored in the last 7 games and 8 goals in the last five games.
• Columbus Crew has performed well in their recent games, with a total of 10 points from the last 5 matches, translating to an average of 2 points per game.
• Scoring has not been a problem for Columbus Crew during their away games; they scored in the last 6 games they played on the road.
• The team’s recent games have consistently ended with a minimum of 2 goals scored.
• Columbus Crew’s recent momentum has been positive, with only one loss in the last 5 games.
• Most of Columbus Crew’s recent matches ended with both teams scoring, especially this season where it occurred in 70% of their matches (26 games).
• Past head-to-head records show that matches between these two teams have averaged 3.5 goals with both teams to score (BTTS) occurring 65% of the time.
• This season, in the MLS, Columbus Crew has averaged more points per game during away matches (1.5 Points Per Game) compared to Orlando City’s home matches (0.86 Points Per Game).
• Columbus Crew is likely to score, having netted in their last 11 games and scored 11 goals in their last five games.

Match Forecast

• Given both teams’ strength in shooting from direct free kicks, it’s very likely that we will see scoring attempts whenever either team gets such an opportunity.
• Orlando’s strength in attacking down the wings, particularly on the left, might be countered by Columbus’ similar strength in protecting the flanks.
• Given both teams’ weakness in defending against through ball attacks, expect the opposition to exploit this by threading balls behind the defense for their forwards to run on to.
• Due to both teams’ weakness in aerial duels, can expect less emphasis on long balls and crosses into the area. Instead, both teams might rely more on ground play and short passes to create scoring opportunities.
• Both teams’ weakness in finishing scoring chances might result in a low score game unless they significantly up their conversion rate.
• Columbus’ preference for short passes and a possession-based game could challenge Orlando’s strategy to control the game in the opposition’s half.
• Orlando’s regular use of the offside trap could come under pressure as Columbus is weak in avoiding offside. This could result in potential offside calls against Columbus.
• The match could become heated as both teams typically face aggressive play from their opponents.
• Rotation in Columbus’ first eleven might bring unpredictability in their game plan.
• Expect both teams to attempt long shots due their respective strengths and the shared difficulty finishing scoring chances.
• Orlando’s wider playing style is likely to stretch Columbus’ defensive formation.
• Columbus’ non-aggressive approach could counterbalance the aggressiveness traditionally faced by Orlando.

Match Facts

• When Orlando City SC hosts Columbus Crew, a 2-1 scoreline is typically the most recurring outcome, with 3 games having ended this way.
• In the previous 12 instances they’ve played at Orlando City SC’s turf, Orlando overcame Columbus Crew 8 times, while 2 instances ended in stalemate and 2 were won by Columbus Crew. The accumulated goal differential is 25-18, favoring Orlando City SC.
• When analysing the past 21 matches between these teams, Orlando City SC stands tall with 10 victories, including 5 stalemates and 6 wins claimed by Columbus Crew. Orlando City SC maintains a slim lead in the overall goal tally of 41-37.
• The last instance Columbus Crew triumphed at Orlando City SC’s home ground was back in 2017.
• Orlando City SC are currently in formidable form, boasting a successful string of 6 consecutive matches.
• Orlando City SC’s squad has been successful in evading defeat in their last 7 showdowns.
• Consistency is evident on Orlando City SC’s home turf with 3 straight victories.
• Demonstrating impressive consistency, Orlando City SC hasn’t faced defeat on their home turf in the last 15 encounters.
• When at home, Orlando City SC has stymied Columbus Crew in their previous 6 face-offs.
• Orlando City SC’s defense has been notable, keeping their goal untouched in 3 successive matches.
• Orlando City SC’s attacking prowess has been constant, finding the back of the net in 7 back to back games.
• Columbus Crew’s offense has been consistent, managing to score in 11 straight games.
• Looking at the first halves, Orlando City SC emerges ahead in 34% of their matches, in contrast to Columbus Crew’s 48%.
• Equally, Orlando City SC wins the first half in 34% of their matches, while Columbus Crew manage to do so in 48%.
• The last meeting between the two clubs saw Orlando City SC coming out triumphant.
• Orlando City SC managed a one-goal lead in their latest outing against Columbus Crew.
• Orlando City SC wins 69% of their matches when they’re leading by 1-0 at home.
• Columbus Crew, on the other hand, converts 38% of their matches into wins when taking a 0-1 lead on away turf.
• Even when down by a goal on their home ground, Orlando City SC stages a comeback victory in 37% cases.
• Columbus Crew, however, hasn’t turned any of their matches into victories when trailing by a single goal in away games.
• In the MLS, Orlando City SC’s performance outshines that of Columbus Crew.
• Comparing the recent 5 matches, Orlando City SC’s form is superior to that of Columbus Crew.
• Against Columbus Crew, Orlando City SC has managed to escape defeat in 4 out of the last 5 matches across all competitions.
• In the last 5 encounters, Orlando City SC managed 3 wins, Columbus Crew registered a single win, whereas one game ended in a draw.
• In a typical game against Columbus Crew, Orlando City SC registers about 2.4 goals, while Columbus Crew manages around 1.8 goals against Orlando City SC.
• A game between Orlando City SC and Columbus Crew witnesses approximately 4.2 goals on average.
• The first half of a match between these two sides witnesses around 1.4 goals on average.
• Orlando City SC usually scores 1.92 goals on home turf, while Columbus Crew manages to score 1.65 goals on average when playing away.