SPORTING KANSAS and FC Dallas square off in a Western Conference MLS fixture with both teams struggling to find their best form. Kansas will be counting on a decent home record and should claim the upper hand over Dallas, who are poor on their travels.
Sporting Kansas have not been at their best lately and head into Monday’s clash with just one win from their last five matches. They suffered a 2-1 defeat to Colorado Rapids in their previous MLS fixture despite taking the lead through Johnny Russell.
The good news for Sporting Kansas is that they have mostly been on the road in recent weeks and are returning to Children’s Mercy Park. Pete Vermes’ men have won two of their three MLS home matches and triumphed 2-0 over Austin in their previous fixture in front of their fans.
Dallas travel to Kansas off the back of a 3-2 victory over Portland Timbers last time out in the MLS. They fought back from a goal down with Petar Musa and Nkosi Tafari both on target.
That was a vital win as it ended a run of two straight defeats for Dallas, who have been a bit erratic lately. Things have been much worse on the road for Peter Luccin’s men, who are winless in their last four away matches.
How the bookies view it: Bookies backing Kansas
Sporting Kansas have been installed as overwhelming favourites by the bookies with a home win priced at 9/10 by Betfred. A victory for Dallas is valued at 13/5 while a draw is set at odds of 23/10.
Head to head: Kansas just edging it
Sporting Kansas have a 34-31 advantage with 14 draws from 79 previous matches against Dallas. Kansas also claimed a 2-1 victory in the last meeting in June 2023.
Players to watch: Russell to strike again
Johnny Russell was back among the goals for Sporting Kansas last time out and could be worth keeping an eye on. The forward has four goals this season and is priced at 7/4 by Betfred to score anytime.
Petar Musa’s effort last time out took his tally to 10 MLS goals for Dallas this season. He will be the one to watch on Monday and is priced at 9/5 by Betfred to find the net once again.
Probable line-ups
Striker Alan Pulido was a second half substitute for Sporting Kansas last time out and could be included in the starting line-up on Monday. Tim Leibold is also expected to return at left-back while Johnny Russell should continue in attack.
Dallas are unlikely to make too many changes to their team following their win last time out. Petar Musa should continue in attack while Asier Illaramendi is expected to retain his place in midfield.
Sporting Kansas: Mella, Pierre, Rosero, Voloder, Leibold, Davis, Radoja, Thommy, Russell, Pulido, Tzionis
FC Dallas: Paes, Junqua, Tafari, Ibeagha, Farfan, Illaramendi, Lletget, Arriola, Pondeca, Ntsabeleng, Musa
Anything else catch the eye?
There were over 4.5 goals in Dallas’ previous fixture and a similar outcome is priced at 7/2 with Betfred. Over 3.5 goals could also be considered at 6/4 Betfred.
Sporting Kansas have scored in both halves in two of their last three home matches and a repeat is priced at 8/5 with Betfred.
This MLS match between Sporting Kansas and FC Dallas will be played on Jul 8, 2024 and kick off at 01:30. Check below for our tipsters best Sporting Kansas vs FC Dallas prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
