Sporting Kansas vs FC Dallas predictions, betting tips and match preview ahead of this affair in the MLS. Sporting Kansas City host Dallas at Children’s Mercy Park on Sunday in an MLS Western Conference clash of underwhelming sides. Read on for our free match preview and betting tips.
Major League Soccer | Jul 8, 2024 at 1.30am UK at Children’s Mercy Park
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Sporting Kansas vs FC Dallas Predictions
Can Sporting Kansas City or FC Dallas Turn Their Seasons Around?
Key Stats
– Kansas City have conceded 46 goals in 22 matches, the second-most in MLS.
– Johnny Russell is one goal or assist away from 100 goal contributions for Kansas City.
– FC Dallas have failed to win any of their last four away matches.
Sporting Kansas City and FC Dallas, both struggling for form, will clash at Children’s Mercy Park on Sunday in a crucial MLS Western Conference fixture. Each side is looking to regain momentum as the season progresses, with Kansas City aiming to capitalize on home advantage and Dallas striving for a rare away victory.
Sporting Kansas City’s Inconsistent Form
Sporting Kansas City have had a tumultuous season, marked by inconsistency and defensive frailties. Their recent 2-1 defeat to the Colorado Rapids highlighted these issues, as they once again failed to maintain a lead. With 13 league losses already this year, Kansas City find themselves second from the bottom in the Western Conference, trailing the playoff line by 11 points with 12 matches remaining.
Despite averaging over 1.5 goals per game, their fourth-highest rate under Peter Vermes, the team’s defensive woes are stark. They have conceded 46 goals in 22 matches, the second-most in MLS, often being their own worst enemy. Notably, they have squandered 20 points this season after scoring the opening goal.
Returning to Children’s Mercy Park could provide a much-needed boost for Kansas City. They have won two of their last three home matches, including a 2-0 victory over Austin, and will be looking to secure back-to-back home wins against Dallas for the first time since 2021.
FC Dallas’s Struggles on the Road
FC Dallas, currently five points below the playoff line, have also had a challenging season. Their recent 3-2 victory over Portland Timbers, courtesy of an own-goal from Cristhian Paredes, ended a two-match losing streak and offered a glimmer of hope. However, interim manager Peter Luccin has yet to secure an away point, with Dallas being one of only two MLS sides without a road victory this year.
Dallas’s defensive issues and lack of consistency have been significant obstacles. They have failed to win any of their last four away matches and could surpass their total number of losses from last season with another defeat. Sunday’s game against Kansas City is the first of two consecutive fixtures at Children’s Mercy Park, with the teams set to meet again in the US Open Cup quarter-finals.
Team News and Expected Lineups
Sporting Kansas City will be without Robert Castellanos due to an ankle injury, Remi Walter with a knee issue, and Logan Ndenbe, who is recovering from a torn ACL. Midfielder Felipe Hernandez is indefinitely out due to an investigation into illegal wagering. Johnny Russell, who scored against the Rapids, and Daniel Salloi, who is one goal or assist away from 100 goal contributions for the club, will be key players.
Sporting Kansas City’s Possible Starting XI:
- Goalkeeper: Melia
- Defenders: Pierre, Rosero, Fontas, Leibold
- Midfielders: Davis, Rodoja, Thommy
- Forwards: Russell, Agada, Salloi
FC Dallas will miss Liam Fraser, Tsiki Ntsabeleng, Carl Sainte, and Patrickson Delgado due to injuries. Jesus Ferreira remains a doubt with a hamstring strain, and Paxton Pomykal is out for the year. Alan Velasco and Geovane Jesus are recovering from ACL injuries, and Sebastien Ibeagha is suspended.
FC Dallas’s Possible Starting XI:
- Goalkeeper: Paes
- Defenders: Twumasi, Tafari, Junqua, Farfan
- Midfielders: Arriola, Lletget, Illarramendi
- Forwards: Ntsabeleng, Kamungo, Musa
Gameplay and Key Battles
The midfield battle will be crucial in determining the outcome of this match. Kansas City’s midfield trio of Davis, Rodoja, and Thommy will look to control possession and create opportunities for their forwards. On the other hand, FC Dallas will rely on Illarramendi and Lletget to disrupt Kansas City’s rhythm and launch counter-attacks.
Key duels include Johnny Russell against Dallas’s defenders. Russell’s ability to create and score goals will be vital for Kansas City, while Petar Musa, Dallas’s leading scorer with 10 goals, will be the main threat for the visitors. Defensively, Kansas City’s backline must remain vigilant against Dallas’s attacking trio.
Expected Goals and Tactical Analysis
Sporting Kansas City have averaged 1.5 goals per game but have conceded 2.1, highlighting their defensive issues. Conversely, FC Dallas have scored 1.4 goals per game and conceded 1.6, showing their struggles at both ends of the pitch. The game is expected to be open, with both teams creating chances but also vulnerable defensively.
Kansas City will aim to dominate possession and press high, leveraging their home advantage. Dallas, on the other hand, will likely adopt a counter-attacking approach, seeking to exploit Kansas City’s defensive lapses.
Suggestions for Improvement
Sporting Kansas City need to improve their defensive organization and reduce individual errors. Strengthening their defensive transitions and maintaining focus when in the lead will be crucial. Offensively, increasing their efficiency in converting chances, particularly from set-pieces, will help.
For FC Dallas, addressing their defensive issues is paramount. A more compact defensive setup and better organization at the back are essential. Improving their transition play could help them exploit Kansas City’s vulnerabilities.
Strengths and Weaknesses of the Managers
Peter Vermes has struggled to instill defensive discipline in Kansas City this season. His tactical decisions, particularly in maintaining leads, have often been questioned. Vermes needs to adopt a more flexible approach and improve the team’s game management.
Peter Luccin’s interim tenure at Dallas has been marked by inconsistency. His inability to secure away points reflects a lack of tactical adaptability and defensive solidity. Luccin must demonstrate greater strategic depth to turn Dallas into consistent performers.
Predictions
Best Bet: Sporting Kansas City to Win
Considering Kansas City’s home advantage and Dallas’s poor away form, backing Kansas City to win seems prudent. Their ability to secure victories at Children’s Mercy Park supports this prediction.
Correct Score: Sporting Kansas City 2-1 FC Dallas
Kansas City’s attacking prowess and Dallas’s defensive issues suggest a 2-1 victory for the home side. Kansas City are likely to score given their home advantage, but Dallas’s offensive threats mean they could also find the net.
Goalscorer: Johnny Russell
Russell has been a key player for Kansas City, with his goal-scoring and creative abilities making him a prime candidate to score against Dallas’s shaky defense.
First Team to Score: Sporting Kansas City
Given Kansas City’s trend of scoring early, they are likely to open the scoring. Their aggressive starts and Dallas’s tendency to concede early goals support this prediction.
Innovative Market: Total Team Shots on Target
Kansas City average 4 shots on target per game, reflecting their attacking intensity. Betting on them to have a high number of shots on target against Dallas, who concede many chances, could be profitable.
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