The final of the four matches in the MLS playoffs knockout round sees Houston Dynamo meet Sporting Kansas City at the BBVA Compass Stadium. Interestingly, these teams have met twice in the last three weeks with Houston Dynamo coming out on top with a win at home and a 0-0 draw on the road. The 4 points picked up against Sporting Kansas City allowed Houston Dynamo to finish 1 point above their opponent, which is key because it has given them home advantage in this match. However, the Western Conference was very close and only 4 points separate 1st and 5th place in the final standings.
MLS BBVA Compass Stadium, Houston, Texas Friday 27th October – 02:30 UK Time
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Draw Best Odd of: 23/10 at Ladbrokes |
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Houston Dynamo
Kansas CityHouston Dynamo Form
Houston Dynamo come into this match unbeaten in their last 6 MLS games. They have defeated Minnesota United, Sporting Kansas City and Chicago Fire in those 6 games, all of which were at home. The other 3 games were at New York City and Sporting Kansas City which ended level and at home against LA Galaxy, a match while also finished as a draw. Houston Dynamo have enjoyed an excellent home record this season and have lost just 1 of their 17 MLS matches at the BBVA Compass Stadium. They have won 12 and drawn 4 games at home this season, which is a tremendous record and they will glad to be the home team in this fixture, as that is what could make the difference. Houston Dynamo have scored 2 or more goals in 7 of their last 8 home MLS matches.
Sporting Kansas City Form
Sporting Kansas City go into the knockout round of the MLS playoffs as the team in the worst form of all 8 participating teams. They have failed to win any of their previous 5 MLS games, losing to Vancouver Whitecaps, Houston Dynamo and Real Salt Lake. The only points they picked up from the last 15 available came at Minnesota United and home to Houston Dynamo, both of which were draws. Having started the season so well, it will be a huge disappointment if their season ends with defeat at this stage but away from, Sporting Kansas City have won just 1 of their last 14 MLS games, which is a poor record. However, they have scored in each of their last 4 away matches, which is a bonus.
Team News
Houston Dynamo will be without George Malki, Memo Rodriguez and A.J. DeLaGarza who are injured. Swiss defender Philippe Senderos is rated as doubtful with a right adductor strain. Sporting Kansas City travel without the injured duo of Cameron Porter and Tim Melia. The latter of which is a big loss having played in goal for much of the season.
Top Betting Tips
Given the form of both teams going into this match and the results of the recent head-to-head games, which have been in favour of Houston Dynamo, it is difficult to look beyond the hosts for the win in this game. Houston Dynamo are 23/20 with Ladbrokes to win the match. The only glimmer of hope for Sporting Kansas City is the fact they have scored a goal in each of their last 4 away MLS games, including the match at Houston Dynamo. However, scoring 1 goal may not be enough to win or force extra-time in this game. Houston Dynamo are 27/10 with Ladbrokes to win this game with over 2.5 goals scored. Honduran striker Alberth Elias has been the man on form in-front of goal for Houston Dynamo in recent weeks. Elias has scored 4 goals in his last 6 games for club and country and can be backed at 17/10 with William Hill to score at any time.