Two teams searching for points with some key players out due to international play.
If you’re looking for star players in MLS, this isn’t the game for you. Because MLS insists on having games during the international break, both teams come into the match short handed. Sporting Kansas City will be without four players including Graham Zusi and Matt Besler. Montreal will have seven players out, including Patrice Bernier, Laurent Ciman, and Blerim Dzemaili.
That doesn’t make the game count any less. Winner still gets three points and where both teams are in the standings, it’s a crucial game. Sporting looks to stay on top of the western conference, Montreal needs to climb out of the hole they’ve dug for themselves.
Sporting Kansas City
Current Record: 7-4-4, 25 pts (1st in Western Conference)
Last Time Out: 3-0 Win vs Minnesota United
Player To Watch: Dom Dwyer. He recently was named to the U.S. Provisional roster for the Gold Cup, but he’s still in Kansas City for this break. The biggest name who will get in the game came off the bench in their last match. He should be a difference maker if he’s fully fit.
Why They Win: Kansas City still has a good amount of their Starting XI in town. Benny Feilhaber, Gerso Fernandes and Ike Opara all should be too much for Montreal to overcome.
Why They Won’t: If there is too much complacency, things could get bogged down and ugly for SKC. If they get caught on a counter early and are unable to find a breakthrough, the match could get increasingly frustrating.
Projected Starting XI:
Montreal Impact
Current Record: 4-4-4, 16 pts (10th in Eastern Conference)
Last Time Out: 1-0 Win vs New York Red Bulls
Player To Watch: Ignacio Piatti. He very well could be the only name casual fans are familiar with for Montreal. With so many players injured or on international play, A lot is going to fall on his shoulders this weekend.
Why They Win: Chances are there is going to be some serious bunkering going on for Montreal. They’ll need to hit Piatti as a release valve and get him in space on the counter to make something happen. They could also use Dominic Oduro’s speed to their advantage.
Why They Won’t: The players in the match are just over powered by Sporting Kansas City. Not only will it be a tough match on the field, having to put so many inexperienced players in an environment like Children’s Mercy Park will be difficult.
Projected Starting XI:
Prediction
How To Watch
Where: Children’s Mercy Park – Kansas City, Kan.
When: Saturday, June 10 – 8 pm ET
How To Watch: TVAS, MLS LIVE in the US