Austin FC will aim to close down the gap to Western Conference leaders Real Salt Lake on Saturday night.
This Saturday, Real Salt Lake will look to secure their first league victory in three matches as they take on Austin FC at America First Field. The visitors aim to rebound after their recent unbeaten streak was snapped last time out.
Real Salt Lake managed a 1-1 draw against Seattle Sounders on Thursday at Lumen Field. After falling behind to an Albert Rusnak goal in the second half, Andres Gomez salvaged a point with a late equaliser. Despite consecutive draws, Real Salt Lake remain at the top of the Western Conference, holding a slim two-point lead over the Los Angeles Galaxy.
Historically, matches between Real Salt Lake and Austin FC have been closely contested. Over their last seven meetings, each team has won three times, with one match ending in a draw. Real Salt Lake will draw confidence from their strong home record, having remained unbeaten in nine of their last ten home matches.
Austin FC enter the match following a 2-0 loss to the Portland Timbers at Q2 Stadium. After missing an early penalty, Austin conceded a goal to Evander before Jonathan Rodriguez sealed the win for Portland in the second half. With 23 points from 16 matches, Austin sit fifth in the Western Conference, seven points behind Real Salt Lake.
Austin’s away form has been a concern, with just one win in their last seven road matches. They will be eager to improve this record as they face the conference leaders on Sunday. The result on the night should give an indication as to how high the standings both clubs can finish this season. The Hard Tackle delves into the potential elevens and tactics for this highly-anticipated clash.
Team News & Tactics
Real Salt Lake
The home side’s lineup will be missing several key players due to injuries. Kevin Bonilla and Pablo Ruiz are both out with knee injuries, while Erik Holt and Marcelo Silva are sidelined with hamstring issues.
Additionally, English midfielder Matt Crooks will serve a one-game suspension this weekend. This absence may open the door for Cristian Arango to return to the starting lineup for the hosts. Real Salt Lake are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Gavin Beavers in goal. The back four will likely consist of Philip Quinton, Justen Glad, Brayan Vera, and Alexandros Katranis.
The midfield is likely to be anchored by the duo of Nelson Palacio and Emeka Eneli, allowing Cristian Arango to push forward. Diego Luna and Andres Gomez are expected to provide width, while Anderson Julio should retain his spot up front, hoping to make a significant impact this time around.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Beavers; Quinton, Glad, Vera, Katranis; Eneli, Palacio; Luna, Arango, Gomez; Julio
Austin FC
Jon Gallagher remains out for Austin FC, having missed the last two matches due to an adductor problem. Meanwhile, Daniel Pereira, having received his fourth yellow card of the season in the previous match, and will be a wary presence on the field as he risks a suspension.
Austin FC are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Brad Stuver in goal. The back four will likely consist of Hector Jimenez, Leo Vaisanen, Brendan Hines-Ike, and Guilherme Biro.
In midfield, Daniel Pereira and Jhojan Valencia are expected to form the pivot, with Jader Obrian, Sebastian Driussi, and Owen Wolff pushing forward. Gyasi Zardes is set to lead the attack as the focal point.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Stuver; Jimenez, Vaisanen, Hines-Ike, Biro; Valencia, Pereira; Wolff, Driussi, Obrian; Zardes
Ways to Watch
Key Stats
- With 31 goals scored this season, Real Salt Lake have the most potent attack in MLS Western Conference. Overall, only Inter Miami have found the back of the net more than them this season.
- FC Austin have the ninth-best attack in the Western Conference.
- Real Salt Lake have conceded just 18 times in the league this season, a tally bettered only by Houston Dynamo in the Western Conference.
- Real Salt Lake are unbeaten in nine of their last 10 MLS games at home.
Player to Watch
Christian Arango
With 13 goals and four assists in 17 games, the Colombian attacker is the difference maker for the Western Conference leaders. His ability to make things happen in the final third combined with the ability to find the back of the net makes him a match-winner for the home side.
He has now gone two MLS games without a goal contribution and will hope to rediscover his best touch. As long as Austin keep him quiet, they have a shot at getting something out of the game.
Prediction
Real Salt Lake 2-1 Austin FC
Real Salt Lake are a formidable force at home and will go into the game keen to keep hold of their top spot in the Western Conference. While Austin can make an impact of their day, the trip to Real Salt Lake should prove to be a bridge too far for the visitors.
