SPORTING KANSAS are in desperate need of an upturn in results as they host Seattle Sounders in a Western Conference MLS fixture. Seattle have caught the eye lately, particularly on their travels and will be confident of getting past their hosts.
Sporting Kansas have struggled to find their rhythm this season as evidenced by their status at the foot of the table. They have lost nine of their 16 matches so far and were beaten 3-1 at Minnesota United last time out in the MLS.
Things have been just as difficult at home for Sporting Kansas, who are winless in their last six MLS matches at Children’s Mercy Park. Peter Vermes’ men suffered back-to-back 2-1 defeats to Houston Dynamo and Vancouver Whitecaps in their last two MLS fixtures in front of their fans.
Seattle Sounders are doing much better than their hosts having picked up their form in recent weeks following a slow start to the season. They are unbeaten in their last four matches but were held to a 1-1 draw by Real Salt Lake in their previous fixture.
The interesting thing about Seattle Sounders’ recent form is that they have fared better on their travels, winning three of their last four away matches. However, they have kept just one clean sheet in their last five matches on the road.
How the bookies view it : Evenly matched teams
Sporting Kansas is priced at 6/4 by bet365 for a home win while a victory for Seattle Sounders is valued at 27/20. A draw is set at odds of 12/5 by bet365.
Recent head to head: Nothing to separate them
Recent meetings between Sporting Kansas and Seattle Sounders have been evenly split with both teams claiming three wins each from the last six matches. However, Seattle ran out 4-1 winners in the last fixture at Children’s Mercy Park.
Players to watch: Ruidiaz brings the quality
Raul Ruidiaz often provides the attacking spark for Seattle Sounders and is their leading scorer with seven MLs goals so far. The striker will be the one to watch on Sunday and is priced at 15/8 with bet365 to to on the score sheet.
Sporting Kansas have spread their goals across the team but Alan Pulido is often the man tasked with leading the line. The forward was on target in the last meeting with Seattle Sounders and is priced at 21/10 to find the net on Sunday.
Probable line-ups
Sporting Kansas are without leading scorer Erik Thommy, who is sidelined with injury. Johnny Russell could get a starting berth after scoring off the bench last time out while William Agada could make way for Alan Pulido.
Seattle Sounders have no new injuries with Nathan, Braudilo Rodrigues and Leo Chu still sidelined. They are likely to retain much of the team that faced Real Salt Lake last time out.
Sporting Kansas: Mella, Davis, Rosero, Castellanos, Bassong, Rodriguez, Radoja, Hernandez, Russell, Vargas, Pulido
Seattle Sounders: Frei, Tolo, Gomez, Ragen, Roldan, Joao Paulo, Vargas, Morris, Rusnak, Roldan, Ruidiaz
Anything else catch the eye?
Sporting Kansas and Seattle Sounders have been unconvincing at the back this season and could be set to serve up goals. Kansas saw over 3.5 goals last time out and a repeat is priced at 9/4 by bet365, who is also offering 17/20 for over 2.5 goals.
There have been more goals after the break in Sporting Kansas’ last three matches and a similar pattern is priced at 21/20 by bet365.
This MLS match between Sporting Kansas and Seattle Sounders will be played on Jun 9, 2024 and kick off at 01:30. Check below for our tipsters best Sporting Kansas vs Seattle Sounders prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
