Sporting Kansas City will host Charlotte FC in a crucial MLS match at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas. Both teams are aiming to bounce back from recent defeats and climb higher in the league standings as the regular season progresses.
Current Form and Standings
Sporting Kansas City enters the match sitting in 13th place after 18 games. They have recorded four wins, four draws, and ten losses, with a total of 28 goals scored and 35 conceded, giving them a goal difference of -7. At home, their performance has been underwhelming, winning just two out of eight games while drawing two and losing four. They have scored 14 and conceded 18 goals at Children’s Mercy Park.
Their most recent match ended in a 4-2 loss to FC Dallas, further emphasizing their need to stabilize defensively. Sporting KC continues to rely on forward Dejan Joveljic, who is among the league’s top scorers with 10 goals. Santiago Muñoz and Zohran Bassong have also shown good form in recent weeks based on average match ratings.
However, Peter Vermes’ side will have to navigate several absences. Nemanja Radoja is out with a thigh injury, Daniel Rosero is sidelined due to an ankle issue, and Khiry Shelton is suspended after a red card.
On the other side, Charlotte FC holds 9th place with eight wins, one draw, and nine losses in 18 games. Their overall goal tally stands at 29 scored and 29 conceded, making their goal difference neutral. While their home form has been decent, they’ve struggled on the road—just two wins in ten away matches, with seven defeats and one draw.
Their last league outing ended in a narrow 2-1 loss to Philadelphia Union. Wilfried Zaha continues to be a consistent figure for the team, having played every minute of the last five matches. Patrick Agyemang also remains an important contributor, while midfielder Pep Biel has racked up seven assists, placing him among the league’s top providers.
Charlotte will be missing defender Nathan Byrne due to a neck injury, which could further expose a defense that has already allowed 29 goals this season.
Attacking and Defending
Attackingly, Charlotte FC holds a slight edge over Sporting Kansas City. With 29 goals, they are among the top twelve attacking teams in the league. Sporting KC is just behind, having scored 28, placing them in the 13th to 15th range.
Defensively, both teams have shown vulnerabilities, but Charlotte still fares better. They’ve conceded 29 goals, ranking them around 25th in the league. Sporting Kansas City, on the other hand, has allowed 35 goals—making them the team with the poorest defensive record across the MLS.
Notable Stats and Trends
Sporting Kansas City is one of the top three teams in the league for fouls suffered and free kicks won, with an average of 7.2 per match across 34 games.
Charlotte FC is among the top three teams for the most goal attempts allowed this season, with an average of 7.7 per game.
Charlotte has scored in each of their last seven away matches in league play.
However, Charlotte has lost five of their last six away matches.
Sporting Kansas City has yet to win in their last two league meetings against Charlotte FC.
Head-to-Head Insights
Charlotte FC has scored at least three goals in each of its last two league encounters against Sporting Kansas City.
Sporting Kansas City has also found the net twice in each of those two recent meetings.
Both of the last two matches between these sides featured goals from both teams in the second half.
Prediction and Betting Tips
This fixture has produced entertaining football in past meetings, with both sides contributing on the scoresheet. While Charlotte FC carries more attacking threat and has performed slightly better overall this season, their away form remains a concern.
Sporting Kansas City, meanwhile, will look to capitalise on home advantage despite injury issues. Given the form and defensive fragilities on both sides, another high-scoring match could be in store.
Predicted Score: Sporting Kansas City 2-3 Charlotte FC
Betting Tip: Under 5.5 total goals
Alternative Tips: Both teams to score in the second half, Charlotte FC to score 2+ goals
Final Thoughts
Charlotte FC may be the more balanced side on paper, but their shaky away record leaves room for Sporting KC to strike back. Expect a dynamic match with plenty of goalmouth action, but defensive lapses from both teams could again define the outcome.
This match promises to be an important chapter in each club’s mid-season turnaround efforts. A win for Charlotte could solidify their playoff ambitions, while Sporting Kansas City desperately needs three points to stay in touch with the postseason conversation.
See also:
Minnesota United vs Houston Dynamo: Prediction, Preview, Odds & Fixture
FC Dallas vs San Jose Earthquakes: Preview, Stats, and Prediction
Chicago Fire vs Philadelphia Union – Prediction, Preview, Odds, Insight
Toronto FC vs New York Red Bulls: Preview, Predictions, Odds, Fixtures
New England Revolution vs Nashville SC: Prediction, Preview, Odds, Fixture
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