Austin FC will look to close the gap on Western Conference leaders Real Salt Lake on Saturday night.
This Saturday, Real Salt Lake will look to secure their first league win in three games as they take on Austin FC at America First Field. The visitors will be aiming to bounce back after their recent unbeaten run was snapped last time out.
Real Salt Lake held to a 1-1 draw against the Seattle Sounders on Thursday at Lumen Field. After falling behind to Albert Rusnak’s second-half goal, Andres Gomez salvaged a point with a late goal. Despite back-to-back draws, Real Salt Lake remains atop 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. During the last seven meetings, each team has won three times, with one match ending in a draw. Real Salt Lake will take confidence from their strong home record, having gone undefeated in nine of their last ten home games.
Austin FC enters the match on the back of 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 games, Austin sits fifth in the Western Conference, seven points behind Real Salt Lake.
Austin’s away form has been worrying, with just one win in their last seven road games. They will be eager to improve on that record as they take on the conference leaders on Sunday. The night’s result should give an indication of how high up the table both clubs can finish this season. Hard Tackle digs into the eleven and possible tactics for this highly anticipated clash.
News and Team Tactics
The real Salt Lake
The home team 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 out with hamstring problems.
In addition, England midfielder Matt Crooks will serve a one-match ban this weekend. This absence could open the door for Cristian Arango to return to the starting line-up for the locals. Real Salt Lake is expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Gavin Beavers in goal. The back four is likely to 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 place up front, hoping to make a significant impact this time around.
Possible formation (4-2-3-1): Beavers; Quinton, Glad, Vera, Katranis; Eneli, Palacio; Luna, Arango, Gomez; Giulio
Austin FC
Jon Gallagher remains out for Austin FC, having missed the last two games with a groin problem. Meanwhile, Daniel Pereira, after picking up his fourth yellow card of the season last game, will be a cautious presence on the pitch as he risks a suspension.
Austin FC is expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Brad Stuver in goal. The back four is likely to 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.
Possible formation (4-2-3-1): Stever; Jimenez, Vaisanen, Hines-Ike, Biro; Valencia, Pereira; Wolff, Driussi, Obrian; Zardes
Ways to see
Key statistics
- With 31 goals scored this season, Real Salt Lake has the most powerful attack in the MLS Western Conference. Overall, only Inter Miami have found the back of the net more than them this season.
- FC Austin has the ninth best offense in the Western Conference.
- Real Salt Lake has conceded just 18 times in the league this season, a figure bettered only by the Houston Dynamo in the Western Conference.
- Real Salt Lake is unbeaten in nine of its last 10 MLS home games.
Player to watch
Christian Arango
with 13 goals and four assists in 17 games, the Colombian forward is the differentiator for the leaders of the Western Conference. His ability to make things happen in the final third combined with his ability to find the net makes him a match-winner for the home side.
He has now gone two MLS games without a goal contribution and will be hoping to rediscover his best touch. As long as Austin keeps it quiet, they have a chance to get something out of the game.
prediction
Real Salt Lake 2-1 Austin FC
Real Salt Lake is a formidable force at home and will enter the game eager to hold on to first place in the Western Conference. While Austin may impact their day, the trip to Real Salt Lake should prove to be a bridge too far for the visitors.
