Austin FC welcome Real Salt Lake this weekend in a crucial MLS clash as they strive to keep their slim playoff hopes alive, sitting 11th in the standings and seven points behind the playoff positions with just four matches remaining in the regular season.
In contrast, Real Salt Lake enter this fixture in second place, having already secured their spot in the playoffs. However, they remain under pressure to solidify their position with a host of teams right behind them in the standings.
Match preview
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Austin FC come into this match sitting in 11th place in the Western Conference with 35 points from 30 matches, facing a significant uphill battle to qualify for the playoffs as they are seven points off the playoff spots with only four games left to close the gap.
Austin's inconsistent season, marked by nine wins, eight draws and 13 defeats, along with a goal difference of 32 scored and 42 conceded, has left them with slim playoff hopes worsened by their poor recent form.
The Verde and Black's struggles were highlighted in their recent 1-0 home defeat to Houston Dynamo, extending a poor run of just one win in their last five matches, including three defeats and a draw at LAFC, while their home form has also been disappointing with no wins in their last four games at Q2 Stadium.
Austin's struggles go beyond this season, having only made the playoffs once since joining the league in 2021, with that sole appearance in 2022 when they finished second in the Western Conference on 56 points.
That is in sharp contrast to their current form, as they have been unable to replicate that success and have slid down the table.
Adding to their concerns is Austin's poor recent record against Real Salt Lake, having lost the last two meetings, including a 2-1 home defeat in June 2023, and while they have won four of the eight all-time encounters, with three of those at home, Salt Lake's current playoff-bound position only heightens the challenge they face in this fixture.
Real Salt Lake come into this match sitting second in the Western Conference with 51 points from 30 games, and while their playoff place is secured, they still have plenty to play for as they are only seven points behind league leaders Los Angeles Galaxy and just one point ahead of third-placed Colorado Rapids.
With Colorado Rapids, Los Angeles FC and Houston Dynamo close behind them, every point is crucial for Real Salt Lake to secure a favourable playoff position, and with 14 wins, nine draws and seven losses, they will aim to extend their advantage over their rivals in this critical encounter.
Salt Lake's attacking form has been a key strength this season, with 60 goals in 30 matches, the highest in the Western Conference, but their defensive record, having conceded 45 goals, remains a concern that head coach Pablo Mastroeni will look to address as they approach the final stretch of the regular season.
The visitors' most recent match, a thrilling 3-3 draw at home against Portland Timbers, showcased their attacking firepower and defensive vulnerabilities, as they conceded a last-minute equaliser after seemingly securing the win with a 90th-minute goal.
Despite their strong position in the standings, Real Salt Lake's recent away form has been concerning, as they have not won any of their last five away games across all competitions, suffering four losses and one draw since their last victory in June against Sporting Kansas City.
Team News
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Austin will be without the services of Matt Hedges for this match due to a hip flexor injury, which will be a notable absence in their defensive line.
Mikkel Desler is listed as questionable with an ankle injury, leaving his availability for the match uncertain. The team will need to adapt to these challenges as they aim to secure vital points in their pursuit of a playoff spot.
Real Salt Lake will be without Kevin Bonilla and Pablo Ruiz, both of whom are sidelined with knee injuries.
The visitors also have two players listed as questionable: Javain Brown, who is dealing with a leg issue, and Nelson Palacio, who has a knee concern.
Austin FC possible starting lineup:
Stuver; Hines-Ike, Cascante, Biro; Desler, Ring, Valencia, Gallagher; Bukari, Driussi, Rubio
Real Salt Lake possible starting lineup:
Beavers; Katranis, Quinton, Glad, Vera; Eneli, Caliskan; Luna, Goncalves, Marczuk; Arango
We say: Austin FC 1-3 Real Salt Lake
Despite their recent away struggles, Salt Lake's attacking prowess, coupled with Austin's defensive vulnerabilities, suggests they will find success in front of goal.
Given the stakes of the match and Salt Lake's current form, they are likely to capitalise on Austin's difficulties and come away with a decisive victory.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
