Preview: Austin FC vs. Real Salt Lake – Prediction, Team News, Lineups

Austin FC Welcome Real salt lake this weekend in a crucial MLS clash as they try to keep their slim playoff hopes alive. They sit 11th in the standings and seven points out of the playoff positions with just four games remaining in the regular season.

In contrast, Real Salt Lake enters this game in second place and has already secured their place in the playoffs. However, they remain under pressure to consolidate their position with a host of teams right behind them in the standings.

Game preview

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Austin FC starts this game in 11th place Western Conference With 35 points from 30 games, the team faces an uphill battle to qualify for the playoffs as they are seven points off the playoff spots with just four games left to make up the gap.

Austin's inconsistent season, with nine wins, eight draws and 13 losses, as well as a goal difference of 32 goals scored and 42 conceded, has left them with slim playoff hopes, made worse by their poor recent form.

The Verde and the Blacks' difficulties were highlighted in their recent 1-0 home defeat against Houston Dynamo, continuing their poor streak of just one win in their last five games, including three defeats and a draw at LAFC, while their home form was also disappointing with no wins in the last four games at the Q2 Stadium.

Austin's problems extend beyond this season, as they have made the playoffs just once since joining the league in 2021, with that single appearance in 2022 when they finished second in the Western Conference with 56 points.

This is in stark contrast to their current form as they were unable to repeat that success and slipped down the table.

Adding to their concerns is Austin's poor recent record against Real Salt Lake, as Austin have lost their last two meetings, including a 2-1 home loss in June 2023, and despite winning four of their eight all-time meetings , including three at home, Salt Lake's current playoff position only makes the challenge they face in this game even greater.

Real Salt Lake enters this game second in the Western Conference with 51 points from 30 games and although their place in the playoffs is assured, they still have a lot of work to do as they are only seven points behind league leaders Los Angeles Galaxy and just one point ahead of third-place Colorado Rapids.

With Colorado Rapids, Los Angeles FC and Houston Dynamo close behind, every point is crucial for Real Salt Lake to secure a good playoff spot. With 14 wins, nine draws and seven defeats, they will be looking to extend their lead over their rivals in this critical encounter.

Salt Lake's attacking form has been one of the Western Conference's biggest strengths this season with 60 goals in 30 games, but their defensive record of conceding 45 goals continues to be a concern for the head coach Pablo Mastroeni will try to resolve the issue as they approach the final portion of the regular season.

In the visitors' last game, a thrilling 3-3 draw at home against the Portland Timbers, the visitors showcased their offensive prowess and defensive deficiencies when they conceded a last-minute equalizer after seemingly leading with a goal in the 90th minute secured victory.

Despite their strong position in the standings, Real Salt Lake's recent away form is concerning as they have not won any of their last five away games across all competitions and have suffered four defeats and a draw since their last win in June against Sporting Kansas City.

Austin FC Major League Soccer form:

Austin FC form (all competitions):

Real Salt Lake Major League Soccer form:

Real Salt Lake form (all competitions):

Team news

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Austin will be without the services of Matt Hedges out for this game with a hip flexor injury, which will be a notable absence from their defensive line.

Mikkel Desler is listed as questionable with an ankle injury, so his availability for the game is uncertain. The team must adapt to these challenges to secure important points in their pursuit of a playoff spot.

Real Salt Lake will be without Kevin Bonilla And Pablo Ruizboth of whom are out due to knee injuries.

The visitors also have two players listed as questionable: Javain Brownwho is struggling with a leg problem, and Nelson Palaciowho has knee problems.

Possible Austin FC starting lineup:
Stuver; Hines-Ike, Cascante, Biro; Desler, Ring, Valencia, Gallagher; Bukari, Driussi, Rubio

Possible Real Salt Lake starting lineup:
Beaver; Katranis, Quinton, Glad, Vera; Eneli, Caliskan; Luna, Goncalves, Marczuk; Arango

We say: Austin FC 1-3 Real Salt Lake

Despite their recent away troubles, Salt Lake's attacking prowess and Austin's defensive deficiencies suggest they will thrive in front of goal.

Given the challenges of the game and Salt Lake's current form, they will likely capitalize on Austin's difficulties and secure a decisive win.

For data analysis of the most likely outcomes, scores and more for this game, please click here.

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