Raphael Durand
Dailysports's expert
One of the matchups in the upcoming USL Championship game day will take place on Wednesday in Irvine, where Orange County hosts Phoenix Rising. Here's the expert prediction from the Dailysports team.
Orange County
The "Orange and Black" haven't impressed this season in the Championship, sitting in eighth place in the Western Conference standings. In 28 matches, they’ve accumulated 32 points, holding a one-point advantage over their closest pursuer, San Antonio.
In their last outing, Orange County played to a 0-0 draw away against Monterey Bay. Prior to that, they secured a narrow 1-0 home victory over Rhode Island, breaking a streak of six winless games. At home, the team has managed six wins and six draws in 13 matches.
Phoenix Rising
Phoenix surprised many last season by finishing sixth in the regular Championship season before going on to win the playoffs. This season, Phoenix Rising currently sits seventh in the table with 36 points from 27 games, holding a four-point lead over eighth-placed Orange County.
In their most recent fixture, Phoenix dismantled playoff rivals San Antonio 4-0 at home, marking their third win in the last four USL Championship matches. However, Danny Stone’s side has struggled away from home, with only two wins in 13 road games.
Match Facts
- The "Both Teams to Score" bet landed in the last three meetings between these sides.
- The "Over 2.5 Goals" bet has hit in three of the previous five matches.
- Phoenix Rising’s last nine games have not seen both teams score.
H2H
Phoenix Rising secured a 2-1 home win in the first round. In their last 10 encounters, Phoenix has won four times, while Orange County has won twice.
Probable Lineups
Orange County: Shutler, Lamb, Nakkim, Powers, Guimaraes, Kaziple, Scott, Jamieson, Dunbar, Dogman, Amang.
Phoenix Rising: Rios, Coelho, Traore, Mar Bahia, Wooke, Zambrano, Margherita, Doratiotto, Dennis, Formella, Angel.
Prediction
Bookmakers favor the visitors, with decent odds for a Phoenix Rising victory. Our recommendation is to bet on "Under 2.5 Goals" at odds of 1.60.
