Burkina Faso
Czech Republic
Indonesia
Lithuania
Montenegro
Nigeria
North Macedonia

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

sportsmole.co.uk, 15 September 2022, 19:16
The playoff hopes for Toronto will hang in the balance on Saturday when they travel to Exploria Stadium to face Orlando City.

A defeat for them this weekend or a victory by the Columbus Crew would spell the end of the Reds' postseason aspirations, while a win or draw for the Lions would assure they remain above the Eastern Conference playoff line of Major League Soccer.

Match preview

We saw a much stronger effort from Orlando in midweek, but their lack of quality let them down for a second successive encounter as they fell 1-0 to Atalanta United.

That was the second defeat in all competitions for Oscar Pareja and his Lions team at Exploria Stadium since late July in a venue that has seen them win seven domestic fixtures this year.

Their margin for error is much thinner as another slip-up on Saturday could enable the sides below that playoff line to catch them.

They have conceded the opening goal in three consecutive MLS affairs, while a defeat against Toronto this weekend would tie their longest losing streak of the campaign (three games).

Orlando come into this contest unbeaten in their last five regular-season meetings versus TFC, winning their previous two matches against them at Exploria Stadium, while also claiming a 1-0 victory at BMO Field earlier in the campaign.

For this team to avoid setting a new club record for the lowest amount of goals scored in an MLS campaign, they must tally at least four more times before the regular season ends, having scored the fewest goals (36) among the 14 sides currently in a playoff position.

Dating back to 2021, Orlando City have won their last three matches against Canadian opponents, while failing to concede in each of those encounters.

Toronto's playoff destiny is now out of their control after back-to-back defeats this month against CF Montreal (4-3) and Atlanta United (4-2).

Bob Bradley saw his players react well when going behind on a pair of occasions last Saturday, answering the first two Five Stripes tallies within five minutes, but ultimately it was their backline that could not withstand all of that pressure, as they conceded 10 efforts on target

When this team conceded a club record 66 goals in 2021, there was a belief that things could only get better for them this season.

Unfortunately for TFC, that has not been the case as they have only conceded nine goals fewer than they did a year ago.

Seeing as Toronto have allowed three or more tallies in five matches this season, it is by no means a foregone conclusion that they will avoid conceding 66 or more goals by the end of this campaign.

The Reds have points in three of their previous five road matches, though they are tied for the fewest away wins among MLS sides this season (two).

Toronto are winless in their last seven matches played against MLS clubs from Florida (Orlando City and Inter Miami), going goalless in four successive fixtures against them, while they have not beaten the Lions on the road since 2019.

Orlando City Major League Soccer form:

Orlando City form (all competitions):

Toronto Major League Soccer form:

Team News

Joao Moutinho recorded his 80th appearance and 70th start in all competitions on Wednesday, as the Orlando defender began in a back four against Atlanta alongside Rodrigo Schlegel, Antonio Carlos and Kyle Smith.

Tesho Akindele has two goals in his Lions career versus Toronto, their leading goalscorer this year, Ercan Kara is without a tally in his last three matches in all competitions, while their leader in assists Facundo Torres had a goal involvement in three consecutive home fixtures before their defeat on Wednesday.

Pedro Gallese and Wilder Cartagena have been called up to the Peruvian national team for the upcoming international window.

Robin Jansson will be questionable for this encounter because of a right lower leg problem, while Alexandre Pato and Joey DeZart both missed their midweek fixture due to right knee injuries.

Federico Bernardeschi extended his scoring streak to four straight matches when he notched the Reds' second goal last Saturday, as he trails Jonathan Osorio and Jesus Jimenez for the team lead by just one despite playing in only 10 domestic fixtures this season.

Ayo Akinola notched his second of the campaign in their defeat last weekend, Michael Bradley is tied with Osorio for the team lead in assists (four), though he has not set up a goal in five straight matches, while Lorenzo Insigne returned to training this week after missing their previous encounter because of a personal matter.

Osorio, Deandre Kerr and Chris Mavinga all sat out of their match last weekend as they are each currently dealing with lower body injuries.

Orlando City possible starting lineup:

Gallese; Ruan, Carlos, Schlegel, Moutinho; Perea, Pereyra; Mulraney, Urso, Torres; Kara

Toronto possible starting lineup:

Westberg; Criscito, Henry, MacNaughton, Laryea; Kaye, Bradley, Okello; Akinola, Insigne, Bernardeschi

We say: Orlando City 2-1 Toronto

There may be more clinical finishers on the TFC side when compared to Orlando, however, Toronto leave too many gaps in their third of the field and rely a little too heavily on their Italians to carry them through.

Previews by email
15 September 2022
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Preston North End vs. Sheffield United - prediction, team news, lineups
On the back of a late win away at Swansea City in midweek, Championship leaders Sheffield United will look to stretch their unbeaten run to nine league games on Saturday, when they travel to Deepdale to take on Preston North End.
15 September 2022
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Borussia Monchengladbach vs. RB Leipzig - prediction, team news, lineups
Borussia Monchengladbach will be looking to return to winning ways when they host RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga on Saturday evening.
15 September 2022
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Borussia Dortmund vs. Schalke 04 - prediction, team news, lineups
Borussia Dortmund host Schalke 04 in the Revierderby on Saturday.
15 September 2022
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Augsburg vs. Bayern Munich - prediction, team news, lineups
Augsburg host Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga on Saturday, with the visitors looking to end a run of three successive draws by claiming a victory.
15 September 2022
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Bayer Leverkusen vs. Werder Bremen - prediction, team news, lineups
Bayer Leverkusen will be desperate to move outside of the relegation places in the Bundesliga when they take on Werder Bremen on Saturday.
15 September 2022
talksport.com
Liverpool and Newcastle coaches banned and fined by FA for dugout bust-up at Anfield
Coaches from Liverpool and Newcastle United have been banned, fined and warned following a touchline altercation.
15 September 2022
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Rangers vs. Dundee United - prediction, team news, lineups
With both sides experiencing tough times of late, Rangers and rock-bottom Dundee United meet in the Scottish Premiership on Saturday.
15 September 2022
talksport.com
Entire stadium chants 'SIUUU' as Ronaldo gets first goal of season and first EL strike
Cristiano Ronaldo may be unhappy about playing in the Europa League, but he still had the entire crowd celebrating his first goal in the competition.
15 September 2022
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: New York City FC vs. New York Red Bulls - prediction, team news, lineups
New York City FC have an opportunity to their capture their second MLS regular season series against the New York Red Bulls since 2020 when they host their arch-rivals in the final Hudson River Derby of 2022 on Saturday at Yankee Stadium.
15 September 2022
sportsmole.co.uk
Bournemouth looking to avoid setting new Premier League record against Newcastle United
Bournemouth will be attempting to avoid setting a new Premier League record when they play Newcastle United this weekend.
15 September 2022
mirror.co.uk
3 things Ronaldo got right and 3 mistakes he made as he breaks Man Utd drought
Cristiano Ronaldo was handed a second start in a row for the first time this season by Erik ten Hag as Manchester United travelled to Sheriff Tiraspol in the Europa League Cristiano Ronaldo struck from the penalty spot
15 September 2022
mirror.co.uk
Man Utd ease to win over Sheriff as Sancho responds to snub - 5 talking points
SHERIFF TIRASPOL 0-2 MANCHESTER UNITED: Erik ten Hag's side won their last game before the international break thanks to goals from Jadon Sancho and Cristiano Ronaldo Jadon Sancho scored Manchester United's opening goal
15 September 2022
sportsmole.co.uk
Cristiano Ronaldo scores first goal of season in Manchester United win over Sheriff
Cristiano Ronaldo got off the mark in terms of goals for the 2022-23 campaign with a penalty in Manchester United's 2-0 win over Sheriff Tiraspol in the Europa League on Thursday night.
15 September 2022
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Stuttgart vs. Eintracht Frankfurt - prediction, team news, lineups
Stuttgart will be searching for their first victory of the season when they take on Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga on Saturday.
15 September 2022
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Vitesse vs. FC Volendam - prediction, team news, lineups
Matchday seven of the 2022-23 Eredivisie campaign sees Vitesse entertain the challenge of newly-promoted FC Volendam at the GelreDome on Saturday.
15 September 2022
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Millwall vs. Blackpool - prediction, team news, lineups
Two teams struggling for form in the bottom half of the Championship table will meet at The Den on Saturday when Millwall play host to Blackpool.
15 September 2022
mirror.co.uk
Neymar slams 'disrespectful' ref and claims
The Brazilian forward played a key role alongside Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe as PSG overcame Maccabi Haifa in the Champions League but he was left furious come the final whistle Neymar has hit out at the referee following PSG's win over Maccabi Haifa
15 September 2022
sportsmole.co.uk
Thomas Frank: 'Brentford will cherish Ivan Toney England call-up'
Thomas Frank has talked up the importance of Ivan Toney's call-up to the England squad for Brentford.
15 September 2022
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Luton Town vs. Blackburn Rovers - prediction, team news, lineups
Blackburn Rovers make the trip to Kenilworth Road for their Championship encounter against Luton Town on Saturday.
15 September 2022
sportsmole.co.uk
Southampton's Armel Bella-Kotchap receives first Germany call-up for Nations League
Southampton centre-back Armel Bella-Kotchap has been handed his first international call up by Germany head coach Hansi Flick ahead of this month's UEFA Nations League fixtures against Hungary and England.
15 September 2022
mirror.co.uk
Heartwarming reason behind Jadon Sancho's Man Utd celebration explained
The Manchester United forward opened the scoring against Sheriff Tiraspol on Thursday evening with his goal celebration raising a few eyebrows but there was a touching reason behind the winger's actions Jadon Sancho celebrates after his goal against Sheriff
15 September 2022
talksport.com
Jadon Sancho displays personalised shin pad given to him by young Manchester United fan after goal against Sheriff Tiraspol in Europa League
There was a nice touch from Jadon Sancho as he celebrated the opening goal in Manchester United's Europa League clash at Sheriff Tiraspol.
15 September 2022
sportsmole.co.uk
AC Milan 'ready to consider Divock Origi exit in January'
AC Milan may reportedly look to part ways with Divock Origi during the January transfer window.
15 September 2022
sportsmole.co.uk
Shakhtar Donetsk chief confirms rejected Everton bid for Mykhaylo Mudryk
Shakhtar Donetsk sporting director Darijo Srna has claimed that Everton failed with a bid for Mykhaylo Mudryk during the summer transfer window.
15 September 2022
mirror.co.uk
Uefa make decision on Rangers defying Champions League rules with Queen tribute
The Glasgow club will not face any action for singing the national anthem before defeat to Napoli despite being told by governing body that it was against the rules Fans display a mural of the union flag to pay tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth.
15 September 2022
sportsmole.co.uk
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag 'has £70m to spend in January window'
Manchester United are reportedly prepared to back Erik ten Hag in the transfer market during the January window.
15 September 2022
mirror.co.uk
Ex-Liverpool striker Andy Carroll seals return to former club with late transfer
The former England forward was a free agent having left Championship side West Bromwich Albion during the summer and has now put pen to paper on fresh terms with a new club at the age of 33
15 September 2022
sportsmole.co.uk
Liverpool lining up bid for Flamengo midfielder Joao Gomes?
Liverpool are reportedly lining up a bid for Flamengo midfielder Joao Gomes ahead of the January transfer window.
15 September 2022
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Norwich City vs. West Bromwich Albion - prediction, team news, lineups
Norwich City play host to West Bromwich Albion on Saturday afternoon looking to record a seventh successive victory in the Championship.
15 September 2022
mirror.co.uk
Williamson keen to carry "Euros fever" into WSL season with Arsenal title bid
Arsenal captain Leah Williamson was one of the stars of the summer for England's Lionesses as they claimed Euro 2022 glory - but with her feet back on the ground and some fresh "fire in her belly" now has eyes on more silverware
15 September 2022
mirror.co.uk
Ben Foster announces retirement as ex-Man Utd and England keeper hangs up gloves
Ben Foster has called time on his playing career aged 39 after turning down the chance to join Newcastle this season, following his release by Watford over the summer Ben Foster won the League Cup on two occasions with Manchester United
15 September 2022
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Hibernian vs. Aberdeen - prediction, team news, lineups
After the postponement to matches last weekend, the Scottish Premiership will return on Saturday, with Hibernian welcoming fellow top-flight side Aberdeen.
15 September 2022
sportsmole.co.uk
Manchester City
Manchester City have confirmed their 21-man squad for the 2022-23 Premier League season following the conclusion of the summer transfer window.
15 September 2022
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Livingston vs. Kilmarnock - prediction, team news, lineups
A Kilmarnock side with just one victory all season will be hoping to pick up points when they travel to Livingston on Saturday afternoon.
15 September 2022
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Spezia vs. Sampdoria - prediction, team news, lineups
Both stuck in the bottom six of the early Serie A standings, Spezia and winless Sampdoria meet at Stadio Alberto Picco on Saturday.
15 September 2022
talksport.com
De Gea reveals club he was 'very close' to joining before Man United move
David De Gea has revealed that he almost signed for another north-west club before signing on at Manchester United in 2011.
Show more

Top News

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. 17 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Chelsea have reportedly already decided whether they intend to sign Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho on a permanent basis.