The middle set of matches in the first round of the MLS Cup Playoffs 2023 continue on Sunday night when two Western Conference ties are back in the spotlight on what should be a cracking evening of football.
We have four of the most watchable sides in the west on show on Sunday evening and you can watch full coverage via the MLS Season Pass on Apple TV but those who don’t subscribe will be able to view both games on the bookmaker live streams.
Sporting Kansas City vs St Louis City SC (22.00)
The opening match of the night sees the only home team on show this week who are a win away from securing their spot in the Conference semi-finals when Sporting Kansas City play host to the table toppers St Louis City SC.
It all went wrong for St Louis City in their first ever playoff match last weekend and that has left them knowing that they have to head to Children’s Mercy Park needing to win if their inaugural MLS campaign is going to continue. There have just been one or two signs of the season catching up with them in recent times though so they will need to find it within themselves to lift up and go again. Sporting Kansas City are in an ideal position. They know that after that 4-1 massacre at CityPark last week that St Louis have to come out at them and they will be able to pick them off at will. The very nature of how this tie is setup makes me think that there are going to be goals in the game. St Louis have to force the pace but SKC are arguably the form side in the playoffs right now so if the City are to stay alive this season they are going to need to take risks. A St Louis goal will change the focus for SKC who probably know their best chance of getting the tie done is here and now while an SKC one brings St Louis further out as they’d need to score to stay alive. With all that in mind, I think a 3 goal line can be covered.
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Vancouver Whitecaps vs Los Angeles FC (00.30)
The second match of the night should be a really entertaining offering as the Vancouver Whitecaps look to level the series against the defending champions Los Angeles FC and force the tie into a deciding match in California next week.
Vancouver will know they are going to have to take risks in this match but the beauty from their point of view is they have no problem doing exactly that and you sense because of that we are in for a belter of a contest here. Vancouver had a go in the first leg and come out on the wrong end of a 5-2 defeat and while they will need to defend better than they did the fact that they had joy against this Los Angeles defence will give them plenty of encouragement. You would imagine LAFC will set up to pick Vancouver off and that is likely to be a fruitful tactic too. The goal line for this one is 3 and you’ve got to think that is likely to go over given the state of the tie.
Tips
Back Sporting Kansas City vs St Louis City SC – Over 3 goals for a 3/10 stake at 2.00 with Bet365
Back Vancouver Whitecaps vs Los Angeles FC – Over 3 goals for a 3/10 stake at 1.98 with Bet365
