Heavy Underdogs Philadelphia Union Look to Surprise Sporting KC
Who: Sporting KC v. Philadelphia Union
When: Thursday July 6th, 2017 8:30PM EST
Where: Children’s Mercy Park—Kansas City, Missouri
Sporting KC and Philadelphia sit in drastically different spots in their respective conference tables, however the two teams are not as different as stat sheets might like you to believe. Before going any further, it must be stated that Sporting KC have now gone unbeaten at home in 18 consecutive matches. So even though Philly is playing better of late, there is never going to be an easy night in Kansas City.
As far as current form is concerned, Kansas City has not lost a match in well over a month. The side have won 4 and drawn 3 in their last 7 matches, and are looking to add to that streak tonight. Philadelphia have been going on a bit of a streak of their own, having won 2 consecutive MLS matches. For the Union, there is no mistaking the fact that their goal is to earn at least a point tonight. A win and all 3 points is not very likely, but a draw is definitely in the cards, especially as Kansas City is without a few key players thanks to international duty.
Match Overview and Analysis
If there was ever a night for the Union (+450) to break Kansas City’s home unbeaten streak, tonight is that night. The team from Kansas City (-160) will be without key starters for this match thanks to their being called up to the US Mens National Team. Names like Dom Dwyer, Matt Besler, and Graham Zusi will all be missing from Sporting KC’s lineup. Philadelphia will also be missing a few of their stars, as keeper Andre Blake (Jamaica) and midfielder Alejandro Bedoya (USA) will both be absent. As far as the team who has the advantage as far as absences go, I am going to have to give this one to the Union. They are missing key players, but Sporting KC are missing their 3 biggest and best contributors.
The big test in this match will be to see how the Union respond to a defense that does not allow many goals. The Union have begun to gain some momentum in the offensive third of the pitch, but they have not faced a defense like Sporting KC’s in the last few weeks. To put how competent this defensive back line is, they have allowed just 3 goals in their last 7 matches. To make a long story short, the Union are going to need to break through this back line if they want any hope of securing points. If Philadelphia cannot get on the score sheet, they are going to more than likely end up walking away with 0 points.
Luckily, striker CJ Sapong and his supporting cast have been more consistent of late. The Union have scored 4 goals in their last 2 matches, both of which have been victories. If they can replicate those types of performances tonight in Kansas City, they may not be guaranteed winners, but they will have a much better chance than their current +450 moneyline odds suggest.
Betting Prediction
Call me crazy, but I really like the Philadelphia Union to surprise some folks tonight. Clearly, with moneyline odds of +450, no one is giving the U a chance, especially not Bovada. While I am not so sure that they are capable of snapping Kansas City’s home unbeaten streak, I do think that they are more than capable of earning a share of the spoils. As such, my bold prediction of the day is to take the draw (+290). The moneyline odds for a draw offer you a lot of value, and with some crucial missing pieces from Sporting KC’s side, I think the Union will be able to capture a crucial point.
The point spread for this match sees the Philadelphia Union as +1 underdogs (-135). Being that I anticipate this match ending all square when the final whistle blows, a wager on the Union’s spread is a wise one. Even if the worst case scenario plays out and the Union do lose, the even, 1 goal spread grants you the opportunity to push. With that being said, the Union are in fine form and I really like their chances to draw.
A bold bet that you can place is what is known as a double chance proposition. This wager basically allows you to bet on two possible outcomes. For this match, a wager on Philadelphia Union/Draw is listed at +125 odds. I not only like the odds, I love the bet itself. If you are still not following, this is a wager that sees you win so long as there is either a Union victory or a draw by the time the match has concluded. I know the odds may lead you to other conclusions, but the Union are becoming a more competent side each and every time they take the pitch, and I expect that to be perfectly exemplified tonight.