MLS: Sporting Kansas City vs. Austin FC Preview, Odds, Prediction

Sporting Kansas City will face Austin FC at the full Children’s Mercy Park. Even though we had an international break behind us, these two MLS sides are involved in one league match. But to be honest, that comes as refreshment with all the action going on at EURO 2020 and in South America. Regarding Saturday’s contest, SKC comes in as a massive favorite, while on the other side, the rookies in the MLS are still trying to adjust to the new environment and demands coming from the same.

Preview

Sporting Kansas City (-160) has three wins in a row, four in the past five games. They are currently second in the Western Conference with 16 points, two fewer than the leaders, Seattle Sounders.

What we need to stress out is the fact that Sporting scored three goals in each of the past three consecutive victories. At first, they beat Vancouver Whitecaps at home, 3-0, then routinely handled the San Jose Earthquakes with 1-3, before outlasting Houston Dynamo in one very amusing battle, 3-2.

Alan Pulido was instrumental during that stretch, netting four goals and assisting once, being the team’s focal point. The Mexican didn’t appear for the national team during the international break, but he won’t play today, which is a big setback for the hosts.

Austin FC (+375) struggles a lot in recent times. They are one point above the last-placed Dallas, with seven points, posting two wins, one draw, and four defeats. A troubling trend is that they have four matches in a row without a victory, losing three and getting out with a draw in the most recent against the Sounders in Seattle.

During that span, the team from Texas netted just one goal and is currently without a score for 353 minutes. Overall, just two of their seven matches in 2021 saw both teams scoring netting.

What also needs to be mentioned is that Austin played all of their games on the road. Starting next week, they will get back at Q2 Stadium.

Latest News

Isimat-Mirin and Thompson are injured for the home team, while Pulido isn’t available due to international duties.

Jimenez, Pereira, Schoenfeld, Segura, and Sweat are all out for Austin because of their respective injuries.

Head to Head Matches

These two sides already met once this season. It was on May 9, with Kansas City recording a 2-1 win, coming back from behind. Austin was up 0-1 at halftime, but failed to keep at least one point. Sanches and Kina scored in the 82nd and 90th minute to flip the result. That was also the last time this unit scored a goal.

Prediction

The hosts are in excellent shape, and were looking fantastic over the recent few matches. However, they will play without Pulido, who is their best player up front, which leaves some concerns about efficiency. In our opinion, it would be best to bet on Sporting’s win and avoid anything else. The odds are solid, -160, having in mind the current form of both teams.

Pick: SKC wins -160