Sporting Kansas City face Los Angeles FC at Children's Mercy Park, Kansas City on Sunday, Sep 13 at 2:30 AM in a basement battle that neither side can afford to lose. Both clubs are deep in the relegation picture in the MLS, and defeat here could prove costly come the end of the season.

Sporting Kansas City come into this fixture in mixed form (2W 1D 2L). Los Angeles FC travel struggling badly (1W 3L in last 5), which may hand the initiative to the hosts. Sporting Kansas City head into this on the back of a defeat, while Los Angeles FC arrive off a win — momentum clearly with the visitors.

Despite playing at home, Sporting Kansas City face a side that has dominated this fixture historically. Los Angeles FC have won 8 of 10 encounters, with 2 draws. Their last encounter ended in Sporting Kansas City won 1–3. These two tend to produce goals — averaging 2.6 per game in recent meetings.

Verdict: This looks an evenly matched contest. Home advantage gives Sporting Kansas City a slight edge, but Los Angeles FC are capable of causing problems. A draw would be a fair result.