Burkina Faso
Czech Republic
Indonesia
Lithuania
Montenegro
Nigeria
North Macedonia

Preview: Orlando City vs. Columbus Crew - prediction, team news, lineups

sportsmole.co.uk, 23 November 2023, 03:36
Orlando City can advance into the Eastern Conference Finals of Major League Soccer for the first time when they host the Columbus Crew on Saturday at Exploria Stadium.

In the opening round of the playoffs, the Lions claimed a pair of 1-0 victories over Nashville SC to advance to this stage, while the Crew defeated Atlanta United 4-2 in their previous encounter, winning that three-game series 2-1.

Match preview

For only the second time in their MLS history, Orlando City are in the second round of the playoffs, putting together two solid outings against the Boys in Gold.

Playing against the stingiest defensive unit in round one meant scoring chances were at a premium for the Lions, but to their credit, they have also been resolute along the back end lately, posting a clean sheet in five of their last six matches in the regular-season and playoffs.

Throughout the domestic campaign, the Lions were effective playing out from the back with elite ball progressors in central defence combined with some equally elite ball winners in the midfield, giving Oscar Pareja's men some nice balance across the roster that we did not see in past seasons.

In 2023, Orlando showed the capability to win in various ways, capturing 11 matches during the regular season and playoffs by a single goal and winning 10 games when conceding.

It has been a while since this team were beaten at Exploria Stadium, with the Lions currently unbeaten in 14 successive matches played there in all competitions, losing only one of their three post-season encounters at home in their MLS history (3-1 versus the New England Revolution in 2020).

The Lions have only suffered one defeat in their last 10 MLS meetings versus the Crew, and they are currently on a six-match home winning run against them.

After two disappointing regular seasons in 2021 and 2022, the Crew regained their confidence this year, thanks partly to the genius tactics of first-year head coach Wilfried Nancy.

Wherever he goes, the French manager seems to not only get results but also the best out of his players, guiding CF Montreal to their best-ever MLS regular season in 2022 (65 points), while the Crew equalled a single-season club record for points in 2023 (57).

Traditionally operating in a 3-4-3 formation, Columbus were among the best in the league at baiting opposing defences to move forward with short passes before knifing into open space in the attacking half of the field.

It helped that they have plenty of quality in the attack, capable of burrying those opportunities, leading the league in the regular season for goals (67), while that quality powered them past the Five Stripes, scoring eight goals over that three-game series.

Columbus have shown they can play through virtually any defence, netting two or more goals on 24 occasions in the regular season and playoffs, but they have also left plenty of gaps in behind their defence, conceding multiple strikes in 15 MLS encounters.

They have captured just one of their last five domestic fixtures in the regular season or playoffs away from home, while the Crew have not won a post-season fixture in normal time outside of Columbus since defeating the New York Red Bulls in the 2008 MLS Cup Final (3-1).

Orlando City Major League Soccer form:

W

W

W

W

W

W

Columbus Crew Major League Soccer form:

W

D

W

W

L

W

Advert - content below:

Team News

It is unlikely the Lions will have Jack Lynn available for this match as he is dealing with an issue in his left thigh and Favian Loyola is also doubtful because of a left arm injury.

Ivan Angulo registered his first playoff goal in their game two victory over Nashville, his sixth across all competitions this year and Pedro Gallese stopped four shots as he has yet to concede in the post-season, collecting 13 clean sheets in all competitions.

The last time they hosted the Crew, we saw a high-scoring affair, with the Lions claiming a 4-3 victory thanks to goals by Martin Ojeda and Facundo Torres before Ramiro Enrique notched a brace in the final four minutes plus stoppage time.

The Crew will be without Will Sands for this one due to a knee injury, while Sean Zawadzki saw limited action in game three versus Atlanta after sustaining a minor thigh strain in game two.

Diego Rossi had a goal and an assist in their game-three victory, with Darlington Nagbe, Alexandru Matan and Malte Amundsen also finding the back of the net.

Cucho Hernandez saw his four-match goalscoring run end in their previous encounter, though he had a goal and an assist in their last visit to Orlando, setting up the opener by Julian Gressel, while Rossi also netted in that defeat.

Orlando City possible starting lineup:

Gallese; Thorhallsson, Schlegel, Jansson, Santos; Araujo, Urso; Torres, Pereyra, Angulo; McGuire

Columbus Crew possible starting lineup:

Schulte; Moreira, Camacho, Amundsen; Gressel, Nagbe, Morris, Yeboah; Matan, Rossi, Hernandez

We say: Orlando City 2-2 Columbus Crew (Orlando City advances on penalties)

Orlando may not have the potency that some attacking players in Columbus possess, but as a group, they are more than capable of scoring goals, which can be equally as valuable.

The X-factor in this one could come down to the goalkeepers, and in a shootout, we have more faith in Gallese, who has been an intimidating presence to face from the penalty spot.

How to watch

You can watch Orlando City vs. Columbus Crew and every MLS match this season live on Apple TV. Click here for more details on how to subscribe.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

Previews by email
23 November 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Porto vs. Montalegre - prediction, team news, lineups
Porto welcome fourth-tier Montalegre to the Estadio do Dragao for a round of 32 encounter in the Taca de Portugal on Friday.
22 November 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Steve Bruce: 'Newcastle rejected colossal Manchester United offer for Sean Longstaff'
Steve Bruce has revealed that Newcastle United rejected a "colossal" offer from Manchester United for midfielder Sean Longstaff when he was in charge of the Magpies.
22 November 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Tottenham Hotspur 'add Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite to centre-back shortlist'
Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly added Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite to their list of centre-back targets for the January transfer window.
22 November 2023
talksport.com
Jesus makes shock admission about goalscoring that will worry Arsenal fans
Gabriel Jesus has admitted that goalscoring is not his strong point - much to the shock of Arsenal fans.
22 November 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Liverpool's Kostas Tsimikas quells injury fears ahead of Manchester City clash
Liverpool defender Kostas Tsimikas has confirmed that his absence from Greece's recent Euro 2024 qualifying clash with France was not injury-related.
22 November 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Stephen Kenny departs as Republic of Ireland boss
The FAI has confirmed that they have parted company with Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny.
22 November 2023
talksport.com
Referee chief Howard Webb orders crackdown on players waving imaginary cards
PGMOL chief Howard Webb has ordered his referees to clamp down on players waving imaginary cards.
22 November 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
FA confirms investigation into Jermain Defoe Portsmouth transfer
The FA have confirmed that they have re-opened an investigation into allegations that an unlicensed agent was involved in Jermain Defoe's transfer from Tottenham Hotspur to Portsmouth in January 2008.
22 November 2023
talksport.com
Ex-Liverpool star reveals key area where Man City clash will be won or lost
Former Liverpool star Danny Murphy believes there's one key area that will decide the outcome of the Reds' blockbuster clash at Manchester City.
22 November 2023
talksport.com
How Ratcliffe's ownership could cost Man United a place in the Champions League
Sir Jim Ratcliffe's acquisition of a minority stake in Manchester United could cost them a place in Europe next season.
22 November 2023
talksport.com
Man United on brink of £110m financial black hole as Ratcliffe nears takeover
Manchester United are staring a £110million financial blow which could haunt them over the next three years.
22 November 2023
talksport.com
FA to review Defoe transfer to Portsmouth from Tottenham
The Football Association is now looking into allegations of potentially serious breaches of agent rules in a Jermain Defoe's transfer from Tottenham to Portsmouth.
22 November 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Lionel Scaloni hints at stepping down from Argentina job
Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni has hinted he could leave his position after Tuesday's 1-0 win over Brazil.
22 November 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Al Ettifaq vs. Al Ittihad - prediction, team news, lineups
Matchday 14 in the Saudi Pro League will kick off with Al Ettifaq taking on Al Ittihad at the Abdullah Al-Dabal Stadium on Friday evening.
22 November 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Juventus 'at the head of the queue for Jadon Sancho'
Juventus are reportedly currently leading the race to sign Manchester United attacker Jadon Sancho.
22 November 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Real Madrid 'considering signing Nice's Khephren Thuram'
Real Madrid are reportedly interested in bringing Nice midfielder Khephren Thuram to Bernabeu.
22 November 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: FC Koln vs. Bayern Munich - prediction, team news, lineups
FC Koln will be aiming to cause a major upset when they host Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga on Friday.
22 November 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Manchester United, Manchester City 'among teams to scout Khvicha Kvaratskhelia'
Manchester United and Manchester City were reportedly among four Premier League clubs to have scouts at Georgia's Euro 2024 qualification clash with Spain on Sunday to watch Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
22 November 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Manchester United confirm Lisandro Martinez was at Carrington on Wednesday
Manchester United have revealed that Lisandro Martinez was at the club's Carrington training base on Wednesday to 'watch his teammates train'.
22 November 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Deco: 'Barcelona to consider signing replacement for Gavi'
Barcelona sporting director Deco has revealed that his club will "evaluate" their options when it comes to potentially signing a replacement for Gavi during the January transfer window.
22 November 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Arsenal's Jurrien Timber 'expected to miss Euro 2024'
Arsenal and the Netherlands have been hit with a huge injury blow regarding Jurrien Timber as he is unlikely to return before Euro 2024.
22 November 2023
talksport.com
Man United mocked by Checkatrade with not-so-subtle advert next to Old Trafford
Manchester United have received their fair share of stick this season, but now they're even being trolled by Checkatrade.
22 November 2023
talksport.com
Man United to copy Chelsea, De Zerbi, new era in Premier League power balance
The balance of power in the Premier League appears to be shifting in the wake of a coalition of rebel clubs blocking a bid to ban loans between teams under the same ownership.
22 November 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Barcelona
Barcelona sporting director Deco has insisted that Xavi is the right manager for the Catalan giants amid recent criticism of the club's legendary former midfielder.
22 November 2023
talksport.com
Ex-Liverpool star says Man United 'hatred' will always outweigh Man City rivalry
A former Liverpool star has insisted the club's rivalry with Manchester United has much 'more hatred' involved than the one with Manchester City.
22 November 2023
talksport.com
Everton vs Man United team news and predicted line-ups: Mount and Antony start
Manchester United travel to face Everton this weekend as they continue to be impacted by injuries to key players.
22 November 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Juventus 'optimistic about extending Dusan Vlahovic deal by another five years'
Juventus are reportedly optimistic about Dusan Vlahovic signing a contract extension with the club amid ongoing interest from Arsenal and Manchester United.
22 November 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Manchester United
Some members of the Manchester United squad have reportedly blamed being overworked in pre-season for their poor start to the season.
22 November 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Manchester United among three clubs chasing Arouna Sangante signature?
Manchester United have reportedly taken an interest in Le Havre defender Arouna Sangante, who has also been on the radar of Premier League rivals Manchester City and Chelsea.
22 November 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Sir Jim Ratcliffe 'to fund spending spree if Jadon Sancho sold in January'
Manchester United's incoming shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe will reportedly offer manager Erik ten Hag a substantial financial boost, potentially enabling a spending spree during the January transfer window.
22 November 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Manchester City team news: Injury, suspension list v. Liverpool
Manchester City will be aiming to return to winning ways on Saturday afternoon when they welcome Liverpool to the Etihad Stadium.
22 November 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Manchester United 'planning major clearout in next two transfer windows'
Manchester United are reportedly planning a major clearout in the next two transfer windows, which could see as many as 10 players depart Old Trafford.
22 November 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Martin Odegaard returns to Arsenal training ahead of Brentford clash
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has been spotted in training ahead of their return to Premier League action this week.
22 November 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Barcelona team news: Injury, suspension list vs. Rayo Vallecano
Barcelona will be aiming to make it three straight wins in La Liga when they resume their campaign away to Rayo Vallecano on Saturday afternoon.
22 November 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Alaves vs. Granada - prediction, team news, lineups
Two teams towards the bottom of the La Liga table will lock horns on Friday evening, with Alaves welcoming Granada to Mendizorrotza Stadium.
22 November 2023
talksport.com
Klopp has beaten Guardiola more than any other manager but struggles at Etihad
Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola meet once again this weekend as Manchester City host Liverpool in a huge Premier League clash.
Show more

Top News

18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk All transfer business is done and dusted for this season, but that doesn't stop clubs from preparing ahead for next season. 18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk For the first time in the CONCACAF Nations League, Canada and Mexico will face each other, with a spot in the final at stake on Thursday at SoFi Stadium. 18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk In the first semi-final of the 2024-25 CONCACAF Nations League, the reigning three-time champions, the USA, host Panama on Thursday at SoFi Stadium in California. 18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk On Thursday Jordan will look to climb into a top two position when they host Palestine at Amman International Stadium on matchday seven of the World Cup 2026 qualification cycle for both teams. 18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Real Madrid are reportedly prepared to step up their pursuit of Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen over the international break. 18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester United have reportedly included Victor Osimhen on a four-man striker shortlist for the summer transfer window. 18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Ipswich Town have reportedly been impressed by Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland but could face competition from Sunderland for his signature. 17 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk The first international break of the year will see Liberia take on Tunisia at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex this Wednesday in the fifth round of the CAF 2026 World Cup qualifiers. 17 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk The first clash in this international break's double-header sees the Central African Republic face Madagascar at Larbi Zaouli Stadium in neutral Morocco on Wednesday in the fifth round of the CAF 2026 World Cup qualifying series. 17 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Liverpool are reportedly prepared to consider selling Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz as it emerges they have seemingly made contact with Newcastle United forward Alexander Isak. 17 March 2025 talksport.com A Bulgarian first division team held a minute's silence for a former player... only to later discover he's still alive. 17 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Lionel Messi has been omitted from Argentina's squad list for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil. 17 March 2025 talksport.com After some backlash to his claims that he's the greatest player of all time, Cristiano Ronaldo has some support in the opposition dugout. 17 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Reigning European champions Barcelona Women will head to Germany for Wednesday's Women's Champions League clash against Wolfsburg Women. 17 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Just a few days after they face off in the Women's League Cup final, Manchester City Women will lock horns with Chelsea Women in the first leg of the Women's Champions League quarter-finals. 17 March 2025 talksport.com Crystal Palace sporting director Dougie Freedman has left the club, the Premier League side have announced. 17 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester City expert Steven McInerney from Esteemed Kompany is a "big fan" of Oscar Bobb and is delighted to see the youngster edging closer to a first-team return after being "robbed of a year" due to injury. 17 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Liverpool should prioritise Virgil van Dijk's contract renewal over Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold, former Reds striker Emile Heskey has told Sports Mole. 17 March 2025 talksport.com The first major question surrounding Thomas Tuchel as England manager has been answered. 17 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher is allegedly attracting interest from another Premier League club. 17 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Arsenal's Bukayo Saka is reportedly targeting a long-awaited return from a hamstring injury in time for the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final with Real Madrid. 17 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly identified another two potential replacements for head coach Ange Postecoglou. 17 March 2025 talksport.com Robbie Fowler is hopeful Trent Alexander-Arnold will remain at Liverpool this summer. 17 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Liverpool allegedly have plans to entertain offers for at least one of their regular attacking players during the summer transfer window. 17 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester City expert Steven McInerney from Esteemed Kompany believes that the performance of Omar Marmoush against Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend has sent a "slight warning" to his out-of-form teammate Phil Foden. 17 March 2025 talksport.com Liverpool should be pursuing Newcastle's Alexander Isak, regardless of Mohamed Salah's future at Anfield. 17 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk The elusive quadruple that Liverpool fans are still pining for remains out of sight for now, but come the sunshine of May, Arne Slot and his crop will surely be proudly parading their Premier League trophy. 17 March 2025 talksport.com Sergio Ramos' cheeky post on social media proved he is well aware of his reputation for being a red card magnet. 17 March 2025 talksport.com Simon Jordan dubbed Martin Keown a 'clown' during a furious clash over Liverpool and Arsenal's trophy hopes live on talkSPORT. 17 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Liverpool are likely to at least resolve the contract situations of Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk in the coming months, Reds expert David Lynch has claimed.