Orlando City vs. DC United Prediction, Preview and Odds - 10/2/21
Orlando City vs. DC United
The 2021 MLS season goes on Saturday, October 2, so we’re taking a closer look at the Eastern Conference showdown from Exploria Stadium in Orlando where both teams will have a lot at stake. For the second time this term, Orlando City meets DC United, and back in May, the Lions outlasted the Black and Red as slight +115 road favorites.
The Lions are winless in five straight outings
Orlando City has been awful as of late, dropping four of its previous games overall. At least, the Lions put an end to a four-game losing streak this past Wednesday, earning a 2-2 draw at Nashville SC while overcoming a two-goal deficit thanks to an own-goal in the dying moments of the clash.
The Lions are now laying at the seventh spot of the Eastern Conference standings with 39 points from 27 games (W10, D9, L8) and a 39:40 goal difference. Over their last five showings at home, the Lions have recorded a couple of wins and draws along with a 4-2 defeat to Montreal.
The 34-year-old winger Nani has led the way for Orlando City so far this season, accounting for nine goals and seven assists in 21 MLS appearances. However, Nani has scored only one goal over his last nine outings. Striker Benji Michel has four goals and five dishes on his tally, while midfielder Mauricio Pereyra had added seven assists.
The Black and Red aim for their third consecutive win
DC United is coming off a 3-1 home victory over Minnesota this past Wednesday. The Black and Red got their second straight win and fourth in a row at home, but over their previous eight showings on the road, Hernan Losada’s boys have recorded just one win along with four losses and three draws. Also, DC United has earned just a point in its last four road contests.
The Black and Red are sitting at the third spot of the Western Conference table with 40 points from 27 games (W12, D4, L11) and a 48:39 goal difference. They are six points behind the No. 2 seed and only three points ahead of the No. 8 seed.
The 31-year-old striker Ola Kamara continues to torture his rivals. He’s scored from the penalty spot against Minnesota to increase his season tally to 16 goals in 20 appearances. Midfielder Julian Gressel is the team’s best assist-maker with seven dishes in 26 outings.
The Pick:Double Chance X2
As I’ve mentioned, the stake is huge in this one, so there’s no easy money. On paper, DC United is in a much better form than Orlando City, so I’ll go with the visitors to stay undefeated at -145. The Black and Red are way more dangerous when playing at home, but the Lions have been all over the place lately regardless of the stadium.
Orlando City is winless in its previous two home meetings with DC United, earning a 1-1 point in the process along with a 2-1 defeat.
The Pick:Both Teams to Score YES
I’m looking for both teams to score which is my best Orlando City vs. DC United betting pick for Saturday night. The Black and Red have scored 13 goals over their last five outings, and four of those five tilts saw both teams finding the net.
Also, eight of DC United’s last nine road contests produced goals on both sides. On the other side, the Lions couldn’t keep their net intact in six straight showings while scoring on five of those six occasions. Six of Orlando’s previous eight home games saw both teams scoring.