Nashville vs Sporting KC

Out-of-sorts Sporting Kansas City take a trip to Geodis Park to take on Western Conference playoff bidders Nashville in an intriguing Major League Soccer clash.

Since slipping to a 2-0 defeat away to Houston Dynamo in mid-May, Nashville have alternated between draws (2) and wins (2) in their last four MLS outings. Before a scoreless stalemate against San Jose Earthquakes last time out, three of Nashville’s previous MLS matches had seen 3+ goals and both teams scoring. Another similar scenario could take place here, as both of their MLS H2H meetings with Sporting KC have yielded an identical 2-1 scoreline (W1, L1). Adding to this sentiment, before the abovementioned draw with the ‘Quakes,’ Gary Smith’s lads had scored 2+ goals in four successive home games (W2, D2). Yet, slow home starts have seen none of Nashville’s five MLS fixtures at Geodis Park produce a goal within the opening 15 minutes this term.

On the other hand, Sporting Kansas City head into proceedings off the back of back-to-back MLS defeats. Since both featured a single-goal margin, the visitors remain hopeful of putting up a fight again. Yet, it could be easier said than done, based on their woeful away form this season. The ‘Wizards’ have failed to win any of their eight MLS matches on hostile turf (D2, L6), conceding an alarming average of 2.5 goals per game. Moreover, a lack of firepower up top has witnessed Sporting KC net just six goals across those eight outings, at an average of 0.75 per match. Then it’s unsurprising they’ve yet to score inside the first 15 minutes of play when playing on the road.