Prediction: Toronto vs Orlando City

Verdict: Over 1.5 goals in the first-half

Best Odds: 5/4

Bookmaker: Unibet

Two sides who find themselves battling it out at opposite ends of the table, Toronto and Orlando City will face off at BMO Field in the early hours of Sunday.

Toronto

Starting with the hosts, shocking almost everyone across the MLS last week as they put on what was a remarkable early flurry, there is no doubt that Toronto will be desperate to build off of that result. While they might have almost been on the wrong end of a real collapse, The Reds did snatch a hugely surprising 3-2 win away at a high-flying New England. However, while interim boss Javier Pérez might have seen his side bounce back from that woeful 7-1 drumming at the hands of D.C. United earlier in the month, it doesn’t cover what has been a nightmare start to the 2021 campaign. Opening up this weekend’s contest still sat rock-bottom of the Eastern Conference, Toronto’s win last week brought an end to a six-match losing run. Managing to pick up a much-needed boost on the road last time out, last year’s runners-up will now be looking to bring an end to their sluggish displays at BMO Field. In their last two contests on home soil, The Reds have suffered back-to-back defeats against Cincinnati and Sunday’s opponents.

Team News

Still dealing with a long-standing knee injury, striker Ifunanyachi Achara will once again miss out this weekend.

Making his first start since the end of April last weekend, defender Luke Singh is in line to keep his spot.

Orlando City

As for the visitors, while Orlando might find themselves still firmly battling it out at the top of the Eastern Conference, they are a side really seeking a boost. Although three points for The Purples this weekend might still see them leapfrog New England, Óscar Pareja’s side put in another worrying display last time out. Failing to bounce back from their 2-1 defeat against the New York Red Bulls on home soil, The Lions put in a season-worst performance seven days ago. Eventually hit with a 3-1 drumming away at Chicago, Orlando know that they have missed some real chances to close the gap at the top of the standings. Enduring what has been their worst run since opening the 2021 campaign following their back-to-back defeats, Sunday’s guests should at least be boosted by their most recent meeting against Toronto. When this weekend’s opponents faced off on June 20th, Orlando picked up a 3-2 victory.

Team News

Long-term absentees Ruan and veteran striker Pato will once again miss out this weekend.

Likewise, Orlando are also left sweating over the fitness of Carlos Antonio.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Sunday’s opponents faced off back on June 20th, Orlando picked up a 3-2 victory at BMO Field.
• Orlando have suffered back-to-back MLS defeats for the first time since opening the 2021 campaign.
• Toronto’s 3-2 win against New England last weekend brought an end to their six-match losing run.
• Four of The Reds’ last five matchups have finished with over 4.5 goals.
• Six of Orlando’s last seven MLS matchups have finished with both teams finding the net.

Conclusion

On paper, we could have another lively contest when Sunday’s opponents face off at BMO Field this weekend. While Toronto might still find themselves sat rock-bottom of the Eastern Conference, they did manage to bring an end to their woeful six-match losing run last time out. Eventually hanging onto their action-packed 3-2 win against New England on the road, don’t be surprised to see chances at both ends of the pitch. Although Orlando might still find themselves mixing it in the title chase, they are a side really seeking a boost. Despite landing that 3-2 victory when they faced off against Toronto last month, they have struggled since opening July. Suffering back-to-back 2-1 and 3-1 defeats against New York RB and Chicago, we’re backing a similar lively contest here.

Verdict: Over 1.5 goals in the first-half

Best Odds: 5/4

Bookmaker: Unibet