Sporting Kansas City (12-8-14) vs. St. Louis CITY SC (17-5-12)
Sporting Kansas City vs. St. Louis CITY SC 11/5/23 – As the MLS playoffs intensify, Sporting Kansas City and St. Louis CITY SC prepare for a showdown in the Western Conference Playoffs Round 1, Game 2, with SKC leading the series 1-0. On Sunday, November 5, 2023, soccer enthusiasts will turn their eyes to Children’s Mercy Park for what promises to be a riveting match-up. Current standings show SKC with a series lead but an overall less dominant season record than their opponents. Fans and bettors alike are keenly searching for exclusive free MLS predictions to gauge where the smart money should lie in this decisive encounter.
Sporting Kansas City, despite an uneven season, have shown a penchant for rising to the occasion when it counts. Offensively, they boast a robust lineup with Alan Pulido leading the charge. His 14 goals and 3 assists this season are indicative of his lethal presence in the attacking third. Pulido, along with Dániel Sallói and Johnny Russell, forms a formidable trident that can exploit St. Louis’s defensive frailties. Sallói, with his 10 assists, demonstrates a vision that could be pivotal in dismantling the opposition’s backline. Kansas City’s aggressive offensive stance and ability to convert chances will be critical as they face a St. Louis side with a solid defensive record.
Turning to St. Louis CITY SC, their offensive analysis is just as promising. Nicholas Gioacchini and João Klauss have bagged 20 goals between them, presenting a clear threat to Sporting KC’s defensive unit. Samuel Adeniran’s contributions can’t be overlooked either, with his powerful style and 8 goals proving to be a significant asset. The dynamism and variety in St. Louis’s attacking strategies might just give them the edge they need to penetrate Tim Melia’s guard and level the series.
Sporting Kansas City vs. St. Louis CITY SC 11/5/23 Game Info
| When: | Sunday, November 5, 2023 at 5:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Children’s Mercy Park |
| TV: | ATV |
| Stream: |
Tim Melia GK vs. Roman Bürki GK
Sporting KC’s goalkeeper Tim Melia brings a wealth of experience and a record that includes 38 saves and 3 clean sheets. While his goals-against record could be a cause for concern, Melia’s ability to step up in high-stakes games will be crucial as he faces St. Louis’s assertive forwards. His command of the area and decision-making could be the difference-maker in keeping SKC’s lead in the series.
On the other side, Roman Bürki has been a bastion for St. Louis CITY SC, reflected in his 125 saves and 8 clean sheets. Bürki’s experience in top European competitions is invaluable, and his agility could thwart Sporting Kansas City’s high-powered offense. His performance will be instrumental in ensuring St. Louis remains competitive in this playoff bout.
Soccer Odds/Point Spread: Sporting Kansas City -141, Total Odds: 3.25
The current betting odds suggest a tilt towards Sporting Kansas City, with a -0.75 spread at -114 and a moneyline of -141. The game’s total, set at 3.25, is favoring the over at -119, indicating an expectation of goals. These odds suggest confidence in Sporting KC’s ability to close out the series at home, yet the generous +359 moneyline for St. Louis highlights the potential value in betting on the underdog.
Sporting Kansas City Betting Trends
Kansas City’s recent form shows a mixed bag of results, with 2 wins and 3 losses in their last 5 games. Against the spread, their record mirrors their win-loss rate, but they’ve been stronger on the road, holding a 9-8 record against the spread. Totals going over in 4 of their last 5 games, and in 12 of their last 16 at home, suggest a trend towards high-scoring matches when Kansas City takes the field.
St. Louis CITY SC Betting Trends
St. Louis CITY SC’s form is comparatively better, with 2 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses in their last 5 games. Against the spread, they are 3-2 in their last 5 games, showing a slight edge over Kansas City. On the road, they hold a 9-7 record against the spread. Their totals have gone over in 2 of their last 5 games, indicating a less consistent trend towards high-scoring games compared to Kansas City.
Sporting Kansas City vs. St. Louis CITY SC 11/5/23 Betting Picks
Analyzing the stats, the trends, and the palpable intensity of playoff soccer, my recommendation leans towards expecting a tight but high-scoring affair. Kansas City, playing at home with the lead, will likely come out strong. However, St. Louis has the offensive prowess to challenge and potentially break through SKC’s defense.
For those looking for guidance from top exclusive handicappers, the value seems to lie in the possibility of an upset or a high-scoring draw. St. Louis’s appealing moneyline and the plus spread could be tempting for the risk-tolerant bettor.
Free Pick and Prediction: Sporting Kansas City 2, St. Louis CITY SC 2