LAFC vs. Sporting Kansas City Prediction, Preview and Odds - 9/3/21
Los Angeles FC vs. Sporting Kansas City
The 2021 MLS season continues Friday, September 3, so we’re taking a closer look at the Western Conference showdown at Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles to get you the best LAFC vs. Sporting Kansas City betting pick and odds. These two foes already met twice in 2021, and Kansas City emerged victorious on both occasions, beating Los Angeles 2-1 at home and 4-1 in California.
The Black and Gold are winless in eight straight outings
LAFC is coming off a 3-3 home draw against the Los Angeles Galaxy this past weekend. The Black and Gold put an end to their four-game losing streak, but they are still winless in eight straight contests at any location.
Furthermore, LAFC has earned just three draws in its previous four showings at home along with that heavy 4-1 defeat to Sporting Kansas City. The Black and Gold are now sitting at the 11th spot of the Western Conference standings with 24 points (W6, D6, L9) and a 28:31 goal difference, three points behind the No. 7 seed.
Los Angeles has struggled with injuries lately which is another reason for their poor recent form. Centre-back Eddie Segura is done for the season, while striker Corey Baird (three goals in 13 apps) is unavailable for Friday’s clash. The Black and Gold will continue to lean on their offense, as Carlos Vela and Diego Rossi have combined for 11 goals and five assists so far this season.
The Wizards hope to extend their excellent road form
Sporting Kansas City is coming off a 1-1 home draw against the Colorado Rapids last weekend. It was the Wizards’ third straight stalemate, while they are undefeated in four consecutive outings. Also, they are undefeated in six road tilts in a row, recording four wins and a couple of draws in the process.
Sporting is now laying at the second spot of the Western Conference table with 40 points (W11, D7, L4) and a 37:22 goal difference. The Wizards trail the top-seeded Seattle Sounders by a couple of points, while the third-seeded Colorado Rapids are only two points behind them.
Winger Daniel Salloi leads the way for Kansas City with 12 goals and six assists in 22 appearances. He’s been one of the best players in the MLS this term. Striker Alan Pulido has scored eight goals in 17 outings, while winger Johnny Russell and midfielder Gadi Kinda have added four goals each.
The Pick:Double Chance X2
The Wizards are playing in a better form than the Black and Gold. Sporting has won its first two meetings with LAFC this season, so backing the visitors to stay undefeated in this one at -120 seems like a way to go.
I’ve mentioned Kansas City’s excellent road form. Back in August, the Wizards destroyed the Black and Gold at Banc of California, 4-1, but they are still listed as +270 road dogs to win Friday’s contest. Daniel Salloi and Alan Pulido have played very well all season long, so the injury-depleted LAFC’s defense will have a tall task to slow them down.
Total:Both Teams to Score YES
If you prefer to follow the betting trends, take both teams to find the net at -200. The odds are not tempting, but the previous five meetings between LAFC and Sporting produced goals on both sides and three or more in total.
Furthermore, eight of the Black and Gold’s last nine games saw both teams scoring, as they couldn’t record a clean sheet in that span. On the other side, Sporting hasn’t conceded in three straight showings on the road, and LAFC certainly possesses enough offensive weapons to put an end to that streak.