Preview: Sporting Kansas City vs. Austin FC - prediction, team news, lineups

The hosts, meanwhile, will attempt to end a four-game winless run in a bid to move off the bottom of the Western Conference.

Match preview

Although they still have 11 games left to play in the MLS season, Sporting Kansas City's hopes of reaching the playoffs for a third consecutive season have all but ended.

Despite being 10 points adrift of the playoffs, Peter Vermes's charges had hoped an underwhelming season could still deliver silverware via the US Open Cup.

However, those dreams were shattered in midweek when Sporting KC lost on penalties to USL Championship side Sacramento Republic after 120 minutes of action failed to yield a single goal.

The Wizards do not have time to dwell on their cup defeat as they quickly turn their attention to Saturday's MLS contest where they will be aiming to end a run of three matches without finding the net.

With confidence at a premium in the Sporting KC squad, Vermes will try to inspire his side by reminding them of the fact that they have never lost at home to Austin, with the previous two home meetings yielding a win and a draw.

While the hosts are rock bottom of the Western Conference, Austin are flying high in second position with just four points separating them from top spot.

After missing out on the playoffs in their first-ever MLS campaign, the Verde and Black are on course to reach the post-season this time around.

Despite sitting in a lofty position in the Western Conference, Austin would have been disappointed with a 4-3 home defeat to New York Red Bulls last time out, which ended a seven-game unbeaten run.

Last weekend's home loss may have stopped Austin in their tracks, but they still have the chance to protect their current unbeaten away run which spans five matches.

Josh Wolff's side will also aim to find the net for the 13th consecutive MLS game, while they have failed to score in just one of their away contests this season.

Sporting Kansas City Major League Soccer form:

Sporting Kansas City form (all competitions):

Austin FC Major League Soccer form:

Team News

Sporting KC are unable to call upon Gadi Kinda and Alan Pulido due to injury issues, while a hamstring problem will prevent Ozzie Cisneros from featuring.

Logan Ndenbe dropped out of the side in midweek, but the 22-year-old is expected to return to his left-back role for Saturday's contest.

With six goals to his name this season, Johnny Russell is currently Sporting Kansas City's top scorer and the former Derby County man will aim to add to his tally at the weekend.

As for Austin, a groin injury will keep Hector Jimenez out of a third consecutive game, while Jhojan Valencia is still sidelined with a knee problem.

After dropping out of the starting lineup for the defeat to New York Red Bulls, Daniel Pereira could return to the side for Saturday's encounter.

Pereira could be joined by Ethan Finlay who came off the bench to score his fifth goal of the season last weekend.

Sporting Kansas City possible starting lineup:

Melia; Pierre, Isimat-Mirin, Fontas, Ndenbe; Russell, Hernandez, Walter, Thommy, Salloi; Shelton

Austin FC possible starting lineup:

Tarbell; Lima, Cascante, Gabrielsen, Gallagher; Driussi, Ring, Pereira; Finlay, Fagundez, Urruti

We say: Sporting Kansas City 1-3 Austin FC

Although Austin have failed to record a victory in their two previous away meetings with Sporting Kansas City, we think that they will draw inspiration from a run of form that seen them win four of their previous five away games to sweep aside their hosts on Saturday.

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