Orlando City manager J. O'Connor looking for three points in Columbus Crew showdown

These are busy days for the home team, as they were in action only three days ago in the US Open Cup. This match was also played here at Orlando City Stadium. With two consecutive home games the intense schedule is somewhat softened. Still, Columbus Crew have had more rest.

Columbus Crew have a very long trip to this away game, as there's more than 1500 kilometers in distance to cover. This could prove a challenge, at least for the supporters.

Orlando City form and stats

Orlando City have played 9 games at their own stadium so far this season, resulting in 3-1-5 (wins-draws-losses).

The points were shared in Orlando City's previous game, also at home. Visiting New York City travelled back with a point after a 1-1 scoreline. 2-2 away at Philadelphia Union before that.

The hosts are modest favourites in this match, with the bookmakers estimating the chance of a home win at about 50% +- five percent. It's interesting to look at how Orlando City have performed under similar circumstances, so here are some numbers: When modest favourites like this (we found seven games) they have won 2 times, drawn 1 and lost 4.

Orlando City have proved capable of finding the net in their games here at Orlando City Stadium with 15 goals in 9 matches. Orlando City have conceded 17 from these games.

Columbus Crew form and stats

Columbus Crew, who have the fewest scored goals (17) in Major League Soccer, have only collected 3 points from their away games after 1-0-7 (8 played). seven defeats in a row for Columbus Crew in their away games. Unhappy days, as the last time they avoided a loss on the road was versus New England. It's looking increasingly bleak for Columbus Crew who now has to deal with a five game losing streak. Pittsburgh Riverhounds was the last time a defeat was avoided.

This game can not go any worse than the last one, a Major League Soccer home defeat versus Seattle Sounders with 1-2 on the scoreboard. Prior to that match, the Columbus Crew manager C. Porter faced defeat when travelling to Real Salt Lake and losing 0-1.

We have checked recent matches where Columbus Crew have had similar odds to win. Win-draw-lose statistics from those five games were W0-D2-L3.

The schedule is very tough for Columbus Crew now as they have to travel again shortly after this match. A Major League Soccer game at Chicago Fire is waiting in only four days.

Many goals are not expected from the visiting Columbus Crew as they have only managed to score 5 times from 8 away games. Columbus Crew have conceded 14 goals in these games.

Head 2 Head

These teams' last encounter with each other was the Columbus Crew - Orlando City 0-2 earlier this season. Orlando City-Columbus Crew H2H statistics last ten meetings regardless of arena: Orlando City 4 wins, Columbus Crew 4 wins, 2 draws. 5 of these ten matches had three or more goals (over 2,5).

Top Goalscorers

T. Akindele 6 goals / 1 assists

G. Zardes 6 goals / 1 assists

Orlando City missing players

Columbus Crew missing players