Orlando City vs Columbus Crew: Orlando City Have To Go All-Out For The Win

• Orlando City and Columbus Crew are fighting for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference
• Columbus Crew currently occupy the final spot and will go through with a draw as well
• Orlando City need a win at all costs, as they would need a miracle to qualify with a draw

Orlando City vs Columbus Crew Odds

Orlando City vs Columbus Crew Prediction

Orlando City vs Columbus Crew will be one of the two big battles on the final day of the regular season for a place in the playoffs. The two sides will be going for the win, but the away side know that they can go through with a draw as well.

An end-to-end game is predicted for this week and should be a good watch for the fans.

Orlando City Have To Go All-Out For The Win

Orlando City have not been at their best lately, and that has seen them slip away from the playoff spots. They were comfortable in the top 7 and one of the favorites to seal the place, but have lost four of their last five matches to make things difficult for themselves.

They managed to collect just three points from the last five matches, while their opponents, Columbus Crew, got six, and FC Cincinnati got eight at the same time and moved above them in the league table.

They now need to ensure that they get a win on the final day of the season to get their place in the playoffs back. However, this weekend, Oscar Pareja will be without two players for the all-important game.

Gastón González remains unavailable for Orlando City and is not expected to play until the end of the year. Alexandre Pato has had knee surgery, and his return date is currently unknown.

Orlando City’s Recent Form Against Columbus Crew Will Give Them A Confidence Boost

Orlando City have done well against the Columbus Crew in recent meetings and will be aiming to keep that run going. They won 2-0 in the clash earlier this season, and that blueprint is enough for them to follow in the all-important game.

In the meeting back in April, Orlando could not keep hold of the ball for long in the game but still managed to win with a clean sheet. Rodrigo Schlegel and Ercan Kara scored on either side of the break to help them get the goals against the run of play on both occasions.

The crew had 60% possession, 18 shots in the game, and over 500 passes, but only managed to create one big chance. They failed to score from that too and handed the away side an easy win at the end.

They have won six of their last seven meetings with Columbus Crew and this would be one fixture they always go in with a lot of confidence.

A Miracle Can Help Orlando City Qualify With A Draw

Orlando City currently have 45 points in their tally – one point behind FC Cincinnati and Columbus Crew, who sit in the final two playoff spots.

The Lions will make it through to the playoffs without any issues if they beat Columbus Crew on the final day of the season. However, one unlikely scenario sees them going through even with a draw.

However, for that to happen, they would need a big favor from DC United on the final day. Wayne Rooney’s side would have to FC Cincinnati by 15 goals in their match for this scenario to come into effect.

The unlikely result would see Cincinnati’s goal difference dip from +5 to match the -10 of Orlando City SC. Since The Lions have more wins than the 2018 Regular season champions, it sees them make the playoffs with Columbus Crew.

Columbus Crew Need To Keep Calm, And That Will Be Enough To Qualify

Columbus Crew go into the game as the favorites to make it to the playoffs this season. They are currently in the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, and their decent run in the second half of the season has helped.

The Crew have lost just two of their last 21 league matches, and that has helped them overcome the slow start they made this season. However, the decent run has been filled with more draws than wins, and that could haunt them in the end.

Should they and Portland Timbers lose on the final day, the Crew will get knocked out as they have fewer wins this season. They have managed just 10 from their 33 league games while drawing (16) in nearly half of them.

Caleb Porter will have his entire squad available this weekend except for one. Perry Kitchen is the one player missing for Columbus Crew this week. He has been out since February due to a foot injury, and his return date remains unknown.

Columbus Crew’s Form Against Orlando City Is An Issue, But They Got A Win Last Season

Columbus Crew have found it hard to beat Orlando City in recent times and lost six of the last seven meetings. They will be aware of that form but will look to draw inspiration from their win last season.

When the two sides met last October, Miguel Berry handed Crew the lead in the 20th minute of the match. Derrick Etienne Junior quickly made it 2-0 to the home side, and they managed to hold on to the lead until halftime.

Orlando City came out of the blocks quickly and won a penalty early in the second half. After a lengthy VAR review, the penalty decision stood, and Daryl Dike converted with ease. The match burst into life as the lead was halved, but Crew ended the chances of a comeback at the hour mark.

Lucas Zelarayán scored the third goal of the match to help them restore the two-goal lead. Robin Jansson pulled one back in the 92nd minute to make it an exciting ending as 9 minutes were added on. However, they could get another goal, and the match ended 3-2 in favor of the home side.

Columbus Crew Have It Under Control Right Now And Need Not Depend On Any Other Side To Qualify

Columbus Crew go into the game with a 2/3 chance of going through to the playoffs. They have nothing to worry about, as they need just one point from this match to seal their tickets.

The Crew are 7th in the Eastern Conference right now and need not worry about the other games happening on the final day. There are no other scenarios for them to think about as they have fewer wins than FC Cincinnati and cannot move above them even if DC United scores 15+ goals past them.

How to Watch Orlando City vs Columbus Crew