In one of many MLS games Saturday, Los Angeles FC (3 wins, 3 losses, 3 draws) visits Sporting Kansas City (6-3-2) at Children’s Mercy Park. Kickoff is set for 5:30 p.m. ET. Below, we preview the Los Angeles FC vs. Sporting Kansas City odds and lines, and make our best MLS bets, picks and predictions.
Sporting KC is entering this home match with the fourth-most points in MLS and the most goals in the league. They currently have 20 goals through 11 matches but have also have given up 14. They’re just 1-1-1 this month since the international break.
As for LAFC, it has been able to get captain F Carlos Vela, arguably the best player in MLS, back from injury. He scored his first goal of the season Wednesday against Dallas.
Having played below its standard up to this point in the season, LAFC will be looking to make a run through the second half.
Los Angeles FC at Sporting Kansas City: Odds, picks and predictions
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:50 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Los Angeles FC +190 (bet $100 to win $190) | Sporting Kansas City +115 (bet $100 to win $115) | Draw +270
- Over/Under: 3.5 (O: +120 | U: -170)
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Prediction
Sporting KC 2, Los Angeles FC 1
Money line (ML)
BET on KANSAS CITY (+115) because despite Vela’s return for LAFC it’s still the better side. It’s also important to note that Vela doesn’t appear to be at full strength.
Twenty-four-year-old Sporting F Dániel Sallói is one of the best goal scorers in MLS, and Kansas City should be able to come out on top at home.
KC has the seventh-most interceptions and ninth-best duel rate. It has given up 14 goals to opponents but is competent defensively. Expect Sporting to come out aggressive at home.
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Over/Under (O/U)
PASS on the Under 3.5 (-170) because it’s just a bit too pricey. With Vela back and 25-year-old LAFC F Corey Baird stepping up this season, there’s a good chance the Over hits, but at this price, it’s too much.
You’d never want to bet that Vela can’t get this team going, and with him in the lineup, LAFC could easily have 10 more goals on the season.
Expect a high-scoring match, but I wouldn’t ride it as LAFC and its opponent hasn’t topped 2 goals since before the international break.
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