Orlando City vs. Nashville SC Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 21 September 2025

Get ready for an exciting Major League Soccer clash as Orlando City host Nashville SC at Inter&Co Stadium on 21 September 2025. With only a couple of points separating these two teams in the standings, this match could significantly impact their playoff aspirations.

Currently sitting 11th with 48 points, Orlando City will look to leverage their home advantage. Although they haven’t kept a clean sheet in their last five games, their average of 2 goals per game shows they can be lethal, particularly with top scorer Martin Ojeda, who has racked up 14 goals.

On the other hand, Nashville SC, positioned 7th with 50 points, come into this match on the back of a mixed bag of recent performances (LWLLW). Sam Surridge will aim to add to his impressive tally of 21 goals. Both teams have struggled defensively, which suggests this could be a high-scoring affair, aligning with Orlando’s history of more than 2.5 goals in 72% of their matches.

Given the home advantage and consistent scoring form, Orlando City are the recommended bet for a win.

Orlando City vs Nashville SC Prediction & Betting Tip

Given the current standings and form, our recommended betting tip is for Orlando City to win. This prediction rests on several factors pointing to Orlando’s potential to leverage their home advantage effectively.

Orlando City vs Nashville SC Prediction
Betting tip	Odds
Orlando City to win	2.11

• Orlando City have scored in 18 consecutive matches in this tournament, demonstrating consistent attacking prowess.
• More than 2.5 goals have been scored in 72% of Orlando City’s matches this season, indicating an ability to find the back of the net frequently.
• Both teams have won just one match in their last five games, but home advantage and recent scoring trends favour Orlando City.

Considering these aspects, betting on Orlando City to win, especially with favourable odds of 2.11, seems a smart choice.

Orlando City vs Nashville SC Odds

As we look forward to the clash between Orlando City and Nashville SC, let’s dive into the betting odds to see how bookmakers are predicting the outcome of this match.

Orlando City vs Nashville SC Betting Odds
Bet	Odds
Orlando City to win	2.11
Draw	3.64
Nashville SC to win	3.05

With Orlando City having the odds in their favour at 2.11, it’s clear that the bookmakers believe in their home advantage. A draw is priced at 3.64, suggesting it’s not out of the realm of possibility, though less likely. Meanwhile, an away win for Nashville SC sits at 3.05, which still indicates a competitive match-up.

These odds reflect the tight nature of the league standings, where just two points separate the teams. Considering Orlando’s consistent scoring record and Nashville’s mixed recent form, the odds highlight a potentially high-scoring and thrilling encounter.

Orlando City Team Analysis

Orlando City Recent Performance

Orlando City have had a challenging run in their last five matches, reflecting a mixed form of WLLLD. Their recent games saw them draw 1-1 with DC United, suffer a 2-1 defeat to LA Galaxy, lose 3-1 to Inter Miami CF, get thrashed 5-1 by Nashville SC, and edge past Toluca in a penalty shoot-out in the Leagues Cup Final Stage.

Despite failing to keep a clean sheet in these matches, Orlando have managed to maintain an average of 2 goals per game. Their attack, spearheaded by Martin Ojeda with 14 goals, remains a significant threat. However, their defence has been leaky, posing a challenge for coach Óscar Pareja.

With crucial players like Yutaro Tsukada and César Araújo out injured, Orlando’s depth will be tested as they aim to secure a crucial win at home.

Orlando City Key Players

Orlando City’s offensive strategy will once again revolve around their top scorer, Martin Ojeda, who has consistently found the net, scoring 14 goals this season. Ojeda will be a focal point as Orlando looks to exploit their home advantage and bounce back from mixed recent performances.

Another crucial player is Duncan McGuire, who has often played a key supporting role in the attack. With Orlando averaging 2 goals per game in their last five matches, these forwards will be pivotal in breaking down Nashville’s defense.

On the defensive side, the combination of Rodrigo Schlegel and Robin Jansson in central defense will be essential in keeping Nashville’s formidable striker, Sam Surridge, at bay.

Expected lineup for Orlando City:

• Goalkeeper: Pedro Gallese
• Defenders: Alex Freeman, Rodrigo Schlegel, Robin Jansson, David Brekalo
• Midfielders: Marco Pašalić, Eduard Atuesta, Joran Gerbet, Ivan Angulo
• Forwards: Duncan McGuire, Martin Ojeda

Orlando City Suspensions & Injuries

Orlando City will have to navigate several critical absences due to injuries. Notably, Yutaro Tsukada is sidelined with a cruciate ligament injury and is expected to return by mid-November. Midfielder Wilder Cartagena is out for the season with an Achilles tendon injury, which hampers Orlando’s midfield depth. Defenders Adrian Marin (thigh injury) and Zakaria Taifi (thigh injury) are out until mid-October, while César Araújo is recovering from a back injury and hopes to return by early October.

These absences put extra pressure on coach Óscar Pareja to effectively manage his squad, especially in defense. Orlando’s recent lack of clean sheets highlights the impact of these injuries, and any lapse could be costly against a Nashville side with a potent attack led by Sam Surridge.

Orlando City Tactics and Formation

For their upcoming clash against Nashville SC, Orlando City is expected to line up in a solid 4-4-2 formation under the guidance of Óscar Pareja. This formation is aimed at providing balance across the pitch with a solid defensive line and an aggressive forward approach.

Orlando City Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-4-2
• Key Forward: Martin Ojeda
• Midfield Strategy: Paced wings with Ivan Angulo and Marco Pašalić providing width and crossing opportunities.
• Defensive Setup: Center-backs Rodrigo Schlegel and Robin Jansson tasked with organizing the backline and containing Nashville’s attack.
• Notable Strategy: Sustained pressure and scoring. Orlando has scored in 18 consecutive matches and typically peaks their offensive efforts in the latter stages of the first half.

The combination of these tactics will be crucial in unlocking Nashville’s defense, allowing key players like Ojeda to exploit any gaps and maintain Orlando’s attack potency.

Nashville SC Team Analysis

Nashville SC Recent Performance

Nashville SC have had a roller-coaster few weeks, with a recent form of LWLLW. Their five most recent matches reveal inconsistency, featuring a solid 3-1 win over Philadelphia Union and a significant 5-1 thrashing of Orlando City, counterbalanced by losses to FC Cincinnati (2-1), Atlanta United (1-0), and New York City FC (2-1).

Despite not keeping a clean sheet in their last five games, Nashville’s attack has been productive, scoring an average of 2 goals per game. Their top scorer, Sam Surridge, has been instrumental in this offensive production, netting an impressive 21 goals this season.

As Nashville SC look to solidify their playoff position, coach B.J. Callaghan will focus on tightening the defense while maintaining their attacking threat. This blend of improving their defensive record and capitalizing on scoring opportunities will be critical against Orlando City.

Nashville SC Key Players

Nashville SC will heavily rely on their star striker, Sam Surridge, who has been in scintillating form, netting 21 goals this season. His duel with Orlando City’s defense, particularly against defenders Rodrigo Schlegel and Robin Jansson, will be a crucial matchup to watch.

Adding to their attacking threat, midfielder Hany Mukhtar has been an excellent playmaker, orchestrating the midfield and creating opportunities for Surridge and his fellow attackers. Mukhtar’s vision and passing ability make him a significant asset for Nashville’s offensive strategy.

Defensively, the reliable Walker Zimmerman and Jack Maher will be key in keeping Orlando’s attackers, especially Martin Ojeda and Duncan McGuire, at bay.

Expected lineup for Nashville SC:

• Goalkeeper: Joe Willis
• Defenders: Josh Bauer, Walker Zimmerman, Jack Maher, Daniel Lovitz
• Midfielders: Hany Mukhtar, Edvard Tagseth, Gaston Brugman
• Forwards: Jacob Shaffelburg, Sam Surridge, Jonathan Perez

Nashville SC Suspensions & Injuries

Nashville SC will be facing some injury challenges as they head into their match against Orlando City. Key players like Taylor Washington, Julian Gaines, and Wyatt Meyer are all nursing injuries and are expected to return by late September. Additionally, Jeisson Palacios and Alex Muyl are down with illness but are likely to recover in a few days.

These injuries and illnesses could impact Nashville’s depth, particularly in defense and midfield, where Washington’s and Gaines’s absences will be felt. Coach B.J. Callaghan will need to manage his substitutions and rotations carefully to maintain a balanced squad.

The absence of these key players can make Nashville’s challenge even tougher against an Orlando side motivated to capitalize on their home advantage.

Nashville SC Tactics and Formation

Nashville SC, under coach B.J. Callaghan, are likely to adopt a 4-3-3 formation for their upcoming match against Orlando City. This formation aims to balance offensive power with defensive solidity, crucial for an away game where controlling the midfield and exploiting counter-attacks will be vital.

Nashville SC Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Sam Surridge, who has scored 21 goals this season.
• Midfield Trio: Hany Mukhtar, Edvard Tagseth, and Gaston Brugman, orchestrating play and providing both defensive cover and attacking support.
• Defensive Setup: Central defenders Walker Zimmerman and Jack Maher tasked with neutralizing Orlando’s attack, particularly Martin Ojeda and Duncan McGuire.
• Notable Strategy: Quick transitions and targeting the 31-45 minute interval for scoring opportunities, as they have been most prolific in this period.

These strategic elements will be crucial for Nashville as they aim to counteract Orlando’s home advantage and secure a positive result.

Orlando City vs Nashville SC Head-to-Head Statistics

When it comes to head-to-head statistics, Orlando City and Nashville SC have faced off five times in the last two years, with varied results highlighting a dynamic rivalry.

• Nashville SC 5-1 Orlando City (2025-08-24, Major League Soccer)
• Orlando City 2-3 Nashville SC (2025-05-21, US Open Cup)
• Orlando City 3-0 Nashville SC (2024-08-31, Major League Soccer)
• Nashville SC 0-3 Orlando City (2024-07-18, Major League Soccer)
• Nashville SC 0-1 Orlando City (2023-11-08, Major League Soccer Playoff)

Orlando City has secured three wins, while Nashville SC has won two, including a decisive 5-1 victory in their most recent match. Despite the mixed results, Orlando has demonstrated an ability to perform under pressure, particularly in high-stakes encounters.

This historical backdrop sets the stage for another thrilling match, where past results and ongoing league form will be crucial in determining the outcome.

Odds accurate as of 19/09/2025 00:31, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.