Orlando and Montreal will face off in the Major League Soccer on February 25. Here is how bookies rate both teams' chances, according to the odds provided by our betting partners BC Game:
Orlando - 1.63
Draw - 3.96
Montreal - 4.90
Orlando
Last season was great for Orlando. Oscar Pareja's team finished second in the East Conference with the second-most points gained in the entire league. In the playoffs, Orlando beat tough nut Nashville and then were stopped by the future winner, Columbus.
This season, Orlando are expected to go strong again and their transfer activity proves it. Orlando's squad looked strong enough but now, with new players on the list, it looks just insanely good.
Luis Muriel (ex-Atalanta), Ivan Angulo (ex-Palmeiras) and Nicolas Lodeiro (ex-Seattle Sounders) are the biggest new signings but don't underestimate less known but not less skilled David Brekalo and Wilder Cartagena.
Montreal
The Canadian outfit lacked just two points to get to the post-season last year. Sounds not too bad but the club chiefs considered it a failure and called for changes.
New head coach, Lauren Courtois, has worked in France and the US. Although he has never coached a senior side before, expectations are high.
There have been changes in the roster as well. Experienced attacker Romell Quioto, who was their best scorer for three consecutive seasons, left and was replaced by Venezuela talent Joseph Martinez (Inter Miami's loss is Montreal's gain).
Orlando vs Montreal: Facts to know
Orlando have been undefeated in 13 out of their last 14 home games in MLS: nine wins, four draws.
Montreal are on a 4-game defeat streak when in comes to away MLS fixtures.
In each of their last six away league games, Montreal have conceded at least twice.
Orlando vs Montreal: Head-to-head
If you look at the teams' previous five results, the home team always wins scoring at least two goals per game. On three occasions, Montreal were the hosts.
Interestingly, Orlando are the only side that managed an away win in this pair: it happened in 2021, when they beat Montreal 2-0.
Orlando vs Montreal: Prediction and betting tip
It makes no sense to argue with statistical trends and tendencies. Be it the squad, the results on the pitch, or the home turf factor, Orlando look simply stronger.
However, betting on the home team to win is a bit boring, isn't it? That's why we suggest betting on the hosts' goals total.
Our betting tip: Orlando's goals total over 1.5 (BC Game odds - 1.70)
