Saint Louis City SC
- Saint Louis City SC have won four and tied one of their last five matches in all competitions.
- Saint Louis City SC are 22nd of MLS 2026 with 16 points from 14 games, only Sporting Kansas City are worse off with 11 from 14.
- They have won their last two matches on the bounce, coming off the back of a penalty shootout draw with Houston Dynamo in the US Open Cup 2026 before beating Austin FC 3-0 at home in MLS 2026.
- They have three wins, one draw and two defeats at home in the MLS this season, but have scored 11 goals in six games so they can trouble the visitors.
Sporting Kansas City
- Raphaël Wicky has a similar possession base to build from at Sporting Kansas City, but he triggers the press more quickly and his side move the ball forward at a faster tempo, which should make for an interesting chess match on Friday.
- But the visitors have two wins and five defeats away from home, averaging just 0.71 goals per game.
Key Players
- Marcel Hartel is their biggest spark in the final third, but the German has only three goals in 12 appearances in MLS 2026 and is yet to really hit his stride.
- Dejan Joveljic has six goals in 14 MLS 2026 games and is still the best route to goal for SKC.
Betting Insights
- With 6.34 about Sporting Kansas City looking too big, I must recommend 1.48 favourites Saint Louis City SC as the pick for this fixture.
- Over 2.5 goals at 1.35 looks a safe alternative market, particularly considering the goals that both of these teams are leaking this season.
Prediction
There isn't enough to go on to suggest that Saint Louis City SC can outscore Sporting Kansas City by a two-goal margin, but I'm siding with the hosts to edge this tense affair.
