Orlando City are making a habit of being hard to beat and they can match Philadelphia Union this weekend.
Who do Bettors Favor?
The best US sportsbook (check out our full online sportsbook reviews) show that Orlando, with home advantage, are slightly favored to win this one. The home side can be wagered at +150, while the visitors Philadelphia are priced at +190. And if you think the draw is the best option, you can bet that outcome at odds of +255 with some books.
Orlando Hard to Beat
Orlando City won’t win many awards for entertainment, but Oscar Parejo’s team are proving to be hard to beat and go into this game in fifth place in the Eastern Conference.
Their most recent MLS games perfectly illustrated their tenacity, as they earned points on the road against Colorado and Atlanta. They were pushed back for the whole of the second half of the Colorado game but they resisted and earned a point, before coming up against an improving team in Atlanta at the weekend, scoring early and putting up a strong defense to earn another draw.
There is no denying their ability to stay in contention against any opponent, and 14 of their 21 games so far this season have been decided by a goal or fewer. Their lack of creativity and goal scoring are obvious shortcomings that could ultimately prove to be their downfall, but while they may not have a flashy style of play, it is extremely effective, and no MLS team wants to play them.
Union’s League Leading Defense
The runners-up in the East from last year have continued where they left off and, entering into this round of games, are flying high at the top of the table. Philadelphia has only lost twice this season, and they once again displayed their tenacity against New England at the weekend. After falling behind 1-0, they came back to win 2-1, maintaining their lead in the East, ahead of MLS Cup holders NYCFC.
Jim Curtin's team hasn't been particularly effective in front of goal, but they have been outstanding on defense, particularly at home, where they have five clean sheets so far this year. Their active and aggressive midfield play helps to relieve pressure on the defense, which contributes to their success and to the best goals-against figure in MLS. Their goals against record is six better than their closest competitor, and their league-leading defense hasn’t given up a goal in the first half in six games.
MLS Betting Team News
Orlando's team news has improved since their weekend matchup with Atlanta. Both Adam Grinwis and Joao Moutinho were labeled as questionable for that match, but both players were on the bench in Atlanta and might start this match if Oscar Pareja wants to rotate his team. However, Gaston Gonzalez is still out for a few months after having cruciate ligament surgery, and Mason Stajduhar is currently sidelined with a jaw injury.
It will be intriguing to see if Pareja gives Javier Otero an opportunity after he joined the Orlando squad after leaving Orlando City B, although a spot on the bench is the best he can hope for.
Jack Elliott was Philadelphia's sole injury concern going into the game last Saturday, but if he has fully recovered from his sprained ankle, he might play a role in this match. Forward Cory Burke was back on the bench for the game against New England, although he has been in excellent form lately and might start in place of Julian Carranza. However, Burke has also accumulated four yellow cards, so is at risk of suspension with another booking, as is left-back Kai Wagner.
MLS Match Betting Pick
This season, the Eastern Conference is proving to be an intriguing and competitive division, and given that these are two of the most consistently effective teams in the East, we should be in for an exciting matchup.
Philadelphia has the advantage in terms of overall talent, but home-field advantage somewhat evens things out, and Orlando will be confident of winning this game following a run of one win and two draws in which they have only allowed two goals.
Both of these teams pride themselves on their tenacious work ethic and resolute defense, but neither is very creative in possession so goalmouth action may be scarce here. Teams like Orlando and Philadelphia – resolute in defense, limited in attack – inevitably tend to produce a significant number of draws and the stats bear that out.
Union hold the joint lead for drawn games with Portland, and between them, these two teams have recorded 15 draws from an aggregate of 42 games. In what should be a tight and tense game, it makes sense then to go for the draw in the Match Betting markets.
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