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

Both Sporting Kansas City and Austin FC have had some trouble lately, and tonight’s game between these two clubs is a chance for either to come out of the crisis. SKC has been struggling for a long time, but the most recent loss, which was in the US Open Cup semis, has been a real slap in the face. The only positive thing this entire season went down the drain. On the other side, Austin didn’t win in the previous two events, and that is something they can’t allow because the race for the West’s top place is ferocious. 

Preview

Sporting Kansas City (+260) was eliminated in the semis of the US Open Cup, to the Sacramento Republic following penalties. The result during the regular 90 minutes was 0-0, and that was the third consecutive game in which SKC couldn’t score. 

There is no need to explain the problems Peter Vermes faces these days with several key players out and the replacements struggling to provide decent performances. 

SKC is last in the West with 20 points in 23 games, and with miserable 19 goals scored, by far the fewest in the conference. On the other side, they allowed 40, which is the second-most behind San Jose Earthquakes. 

Austin FC (+155) has been without a win for the last two games. Unlike them, LAFC has been winning lately, which increased the gap between them to seven points, meaning that Austin’s chances of reaching that top spot in the Conference aren’t that good anymore. 

After playing 1-1 in Dallas, Austin surprisingly lost at home to New York Red Bulls, 3-4, in a highly interesting and exciting game that satisfied all the fans but their own.

The good thing for the Texas franchise is that they haven’t lost away from home in the recent five games, winning four in a row before a draw in Dallas. Three of those five clashes have been with under 2.5 scores.

Latest News

Pulido, Cisneros and Kinda are out for Vermes and SKC and have been unable to help the team for a while. Kortne Ford has been questionable for this event. 

Jhojan Valencia and Hector Jimenez are on the other side, unavailable for the guests from Texas. 

Head to Head Games

The previous meeting between these two sides took place in November last year, and it was at the Q2 stadium in Austin. The hosts won, 3-1.

So far, we’ve seen three contests between these units, and the record is neutral, both teams have a win apiece and one draws. All three events ended with both teams netting.

Prediction

For some, it is a risky move, but for us, it is quite logical. We are taking the guests’ victory here. SKC is falling apart, while on the other side, Austin might have two games without a win, but they are a far better team overall than SKC. The hosts have problems in the attack and, what is even worse, in the back line, and Austin likes playing against such crews due to their potent attack. 

Pick: Austin wins +155