MATCH OVERVIEW
St. Louis City and SJ Earthquakes are set to clash in a highly anticipated MLS match at CityPark. This game is crucial for both teams as they aim to solidify their positions in the league standings. With St. Louis City playing at home, they will look to leverage their familiarity with the venue to gain an advantage. The match kicks off at 6:30 PM, promising an exciting evening for soccer enthusiasts.
ODDS ANALYSIS
The average odds for this match suggest a competitive encounter, with St. Louis City slightly favored at 2.02. The probability of a draw stands at 3.89, while SJ Earthquakes are given odds of 3.14. This translates to a 49.5% chance for a home win, 25.7% for a draw, and 31.8% for an away victory. Based on these odds, St. Louis City holds a slight edge, but SJ Earthquakes' attacking prowess could turn the tide.
TEAM ANALYSIS
St. Louis City
St. Louis City has had a mixed season, averaging 0.73 goals per match and conceding 1.33. Their possession rate of 44.8% indicates a tendency to play on the counter. Despite their low scoring rate, their expected goals (xG) of 1.31 suggest potential for improvement. Defensively, they face challenges with an expected goals against (xGA) of 1.72.
SJ Earthquakes
SJ Earthquakes boast a strong offensive record, averaging 2.13 goals per match. Their possession rate of 48.47% allows them to control the game more effectively. With an xG of 1.97, they are expected to continue their scoring form. However, their defense has been vulnerable, conceding 1.73 goals per match.
Head-to-Head
Historically, SJ Earthquakes have had the upper hand in this matchup, but St. Louis City's home advantage could play a crucial role. Tactical adjustments will be key for both teams as they aim to exploit each other's weaknesses.
KEY PLAYERS SPOTLIGHT
St. Louis City
- Roman Bürki: A key figure in goal, Bürki's 204.82 points highlight his importance in defense.
- Cedric Teuchert: Leading the scoring charts with 3 goals, Teuchert's form will be vital.
SJ Earthquakes
- Cristian Arango: With 9 goals, Arango is a formidable threat upfront.
- Cristian Espinoza: His 248.93 points and 4 goals make him a crucial playmaker.
STATISTICAL DEEP DIVE
Offensive Metrics
- St. Louis City: Average 10.67 shots per match, with 3.8 on target.
- SJ Earthquakes: Average 14.93 shots per match, with 5.73 on target.
Defensive Metrics
- St. Louis City: Average 40.47 interceptions, indicating a proactive defense.
- SJ Earthquakes: Average 45.4 interceptions, showcasing their defensive resilience.
Possession and Passing
- St. Louis City: 389.13 passes per match, with a success rate of 81.9%.
- SJ Earthquakes: 413.87 passes per match, with a success rate of 80.1%.
PREDICTION AND CONCLUSION
Based on the data, SJ Earthquakes' offensive strength gives them a slight edge, but St. Louis City's home advantage and defensive capabilities could balance the scales. Key factors will include SJ Earthquakes' ability to break down St. Louis City's defense and the latter's counter-attacking potential.
Final Score Prediction
St. Louis City 1-2 SJ Earthquakes
Half Time Score Prediction
St. Louis City 0-1 SJ Earthquakes
Probability Insights
- Home Win: 49.5%
- Away Win: 31.8%
- Draw: 25.7%
- Both Teams to Score: 70%
- Over 2.5 Goals: 65%