Orlando City vs. Nashville SC – MLS, November 8, 2020

Orlando City’s first-ever MLS playoff match will be at home after the Lions extended their winning streak to three games with a 2-1 victory over Columbus Crew on Wednesday.

The Florida outfit welcomes Nashville to Exploria Stadium on Sunday, November 8. Gary Smith’s men have also secured a spot in the postseason, although they sit 12 points behind Orlando in the Eastern Conference.

Keep reading to see my prediction and betting pick for Orlando City vs. Nashville SC.

The high price for the home win proves just how good Nashville (3.35) has been in recent weeks. Orlando (2.05) is the favorite to win this one, but it is by no means a foregone conclusion.

I don’t think anyone will be keen on the idea of facing Orlando in the playoffs.

Oscar Pareja’s side has been one of the standout teams in MLS this year, and the Lions only enhanced their credentials with an impressive victory over Columbus last time out.

Christopher Mueller opened the scoring on Wednesday, taking his tally to seven goals and five assists in 18 regular-season outings. Harrison Afful levelled for the Crew, just minutes after Nani was shown a red card. But despite being reduced to ten men, the Lions found a late winner through Benji Michel.

Wednesday’s performance typified Orlando’s entire campaign. The team from Florida has shown great determination throughout 2020, so it is hardly surprising that only two sides sit above them in the Eastern Conference.

A record of one defeat in 16 games speaks for itself. It goes without saying that Orlando will be a feared playoff opponent.

The heart of Lions ? pic.twitter.com/pFrvRo7a68

— x – Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) November 5, 2020

In fairness, Nashville has also done remarkably well to reach the postseason in their maiden MLS campaign. The Tennessee club’s five-game unbeaten streak was brought to an end by Dallas on Wednesday, but the Boys in Gold still find themselves in a strong position.

It is no secret that Nashville has built their success on a solid backline. The team has only conceded 20 goals in 22 outings this year, with goalkeeper Joe Willis keeping a league-high nine clean sheets along the way.

Sure, Nashville doesn’t score many goals. But what Gary Smith’s men lack in attack, they more than make up for in defense.

Nashville still stands a chance of finishing in the top six, although a qualifying berth is looking more likely at this stage. But wherever they end up, the Boys in Gold can be extremely proud of their efforts this year.

I’ve been hugely impressed with Nashville this year, but Orlando has been on a different level. The Lions have got heaps of momentum at the moment, so I can’t see them losing on Sunday.

The Boys in Gold will be eager to sneak into the top six on the final day of the regular season, but I’m confident that Orlando’s superiority will shine through.