TIPS - Sporting Kansas City VS Austin FC

[(Sporting Kansas City) Strength]:
1. Sporting Kansas City currently sit 13th in the Western Conference with 27 points, trailing the play-off spots by 8 points. With just 6 rounds remaining in the regular season, their playoff prospects are highly challenging. Nevertheless, they must capitalize on home opportunities to secure points, and their motivation for this match remains strong.
2. Sporting Kansas City won 4-2 at home against Colorado Rapids in the last league match, ending their streak of one draw and five losses in the previous six rounds and reclaiming a long-awaited victory. The team's confidence has been restored.
3. Sporting Kansas City have had a decent offensive performance recently, scoring 8 goals in the past 6 games and 24 goals in 14 home games this season.

[(Sporting Kansas City) Weakness]:
1. Sporting Kansas City are missing two key midfielders, Bassong and Manuel Garcia, as well as backup full-back Ian James, who has been called up to his national team. This has impacted the squad's overall completeness.
2. At home, Sporting Kansas City have achieved 2 wins, 2 draws and 2 losses in their last 6 home games, with a win rate of 33.3%. Their overall performance was quite inconsistent.
3. Sporting Kansas City have struggled in defense. In the last six league matches, they have conceded 16 goals, averaging nearly three goals per game.
4. Sporting Kansas City and Austin FC have met 10 times in history, with the formers holding a poor record of 3 wins, 1 draw and 6 losses. Sporting Kansas City lost to Austin FC 0-1 on away field in their last encounter.
5. Sporting Kansas City won only 3 of their last 10 games in AH, and won only 1 of their last 4 home games in AH.

[(Austin FC) Strength]:
1. Austin FC currently sit 7th in the Western Conference, holding just a two-point lead over the 8th-placed Colorado Rapids. With two games in hand, the team must strive to secure points in their upcoming matches to solidify their position in the playoff zone. Visiting weaker Sporting Kansas City, Austin FC will undoubtedly aim for all three points in this encounter.
2. Austin FC's recent form has improved, achieving a record of 3 wins, 2 draws and 1 loss in their last 6 official matches. In the last league match, they won 3-1 at home against San Jose Earthquakes, achieving their first victory in the last four rounds and greatly boosting their morale.
3. Austin FC have been in an extremely strong offensive form recently, scoring 14 goals in the past 6 games, averaging more than 2 goals per game.

[(Austin FC) Weakness]:
1. The team's strength has been compromised with the absence of starting center forward Vazquez and defensive midfielder Sanchez due to injuries, as well as rotational center-back Cascante's call-up to the national team.
2. Austin FC's away performance has been quite inconsistent. In their last six away games, they have achieved three wins, one draw and two losses. This season, the team's away win rate is less than 40%.
3. Austin FC have struggled with defensive stability this season, conceding 21 goals in 13 away matches. They have conceded double-digit goals over their past six league fixtures.
4. Austin FC's past away performances against Sporting Kansas City have been rather mediocre. Austin FC have lost both of their last two away games and have only won one of their last five away games against Sporting Kansas City.
5. Austin FC lost 3 of their last 4 games in AH, and also lost to CF Montreal in their last away game in AH.

[Tips]:
Sporting Kansas City have performed poorly this season, currently sitting near the bottom of the Western Conference in MLS.

The team's home win rate is also less than 30%.

On the other hand, Austin FC's form has picked up and the team have achieved 3 wins, 2 draws and 1 loss in the past six games.

Historically, Austin FC have a slight edge with 6 wins, 1 draw and 3 losses against Sporting Kansas City.

Moreover, their victory in the first round of this season has given them a psychological advantage.

Taking into account the team's recent form, strength and fighting spirit, Austin FC are expected to remain unbeaten away from home.

[Recommended]:
Austin FC (0)