Los Angeles FC are set to bounce back from defeat in the LA Derby as they host Sporting Kansas in the MLS on Sunday. They are still the team to beat in the Western Conference and will be confident of seeing off Kansas, who have been disappointing this season.
Los Angeles FC are coming off their first defeat of the season following a 2-1 loss to LA Galaxy in the derby last time out. They went into the break two goals down and laboured for much of the second half before Cristian Arango pulled one back late on.
While a defeat against their bitter rivals is always disappointing, Los Angeles will consider it a minor blip. They have won four of their six matches before the derby and are currently top of the Western Conference.
Los Angeles often do their best work at the Banc of California Stadium, where they are yet to taste defeat this season. Steven Cherundolo’s men earned a 3-1 victory over Vancouver Whitecaps in their previous home fixture.
In contrast to Los Angeles’ fine showings, Sporting Kansas have endured a difficult start to the campaign. They have claimed just two wins from their seven matches this season and are currently third from bottom in the Western Conference.
Sporting Kansas travel to the Banc of California Stadium off the back of a 2-1 home defeat to Nashville in their previous MLS fixture. Peter Vermes’ men failed to build on a first half opener from Remi Walter as they lost for the fifth time in seven matches this season.
One of the problems for Sporting Kansas is a poor record on their travels which stretches back to last season. They have lost their last six MLS matches and were beaten 1-0 by fellow strugglers Vancouver Whitecaps in their previous fixture on the road.
How the bookies view it
Los Angeles are considered overwhelming favourites among the bookies with a home win priced at 8/15 by Sport Nation. A victory for Sporting Kansas is valued at 24/5 by SBK while BoyleSports is offering odds of 3/1 for a draw.
Head to head
Sporting Kansas have a 4-3 edge from seven previous matches against Los Angeles. However, Sunday's hosts claimed a 4-0 victory in the most recent meeting between both teams back in September.
Players to watch
Carlos Vela appears to have picked up where he left off last season with four goals in the opening six matches this term. Bet365 has the Mexican striker at odds of 8/11 to get on the score sheet on Sunday.
Daniel Salloi has only found the net once this season but is often the man leading the line for Sporting Kansas. The striker is priced at 11/5 by bet365 to score anytime on Sunday.
Anything else catch the eye?
Los Angeles have shown their attacking strenght this season and given the one-sided result in the last meeting with Sporting Kansas, a -1 handicap could be considered at 6/4 with Paddy Power. They could also be tipped to score in both halves at 5/4 with Unibet.
Los Angeles have seen over 3.5 goals in two of their last three MLS matches and a repeat could be on the cards at 48/29 with SBK.
This MLS match between Los Angeles FC and Sporting Kansas will be played on Apr 17, 2022 and kick off at 21:00. Check below for our tipsters best Los Angeles FC vs Sporting Kansas prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.