Real Salt Lake vs San Jose Earthquakes Prediction: Salt Lake have the crucial advantage

Right at the turn of the last corner in the 2024 MLS regular season, a very vital clash of Real Salt Lake with San Jose Earthquakes will take place at Rio Tinto Stadium on 25 August. Both teams will literally wrestle each other for every inch of the field and concede nothing to come up victorious, knowing that playoff positions are decided right here in this very matchup. The current form, key players, tactical approaches, and a well-informed prediction of the outcome for this very match are all discussed in the ensuing in-depth analysis.

Real Salt Lake has had ups and downs all campaign but will still make life hard on opponents, more so here at home. Their resilience during the season does give them the ability to grind out results when they haven't been playing so well. RSL has been through mixed form in their last five, with two wins, two draws, and one loss. The good news for RSL fans is the fact that their team has been pretty solid at the America First Field, losing only twice in their last ten home games. RSL will line up in their usual shape of 4-2-3-1, which allows them to maintain a strong defensive shape while providing flexibility in attack.

It's been a mixed bag of performances by the team this year. They have really shown spells of brilliance, mostly in the attacking third, but consistency has been their Achilles heel so far. They have really fought on the road, which is a big concern heading into what's shaping up to be a tough away game at Rio Tinto Stadium. The Earthquakes' defense has been porous at times, and they have conceded one or two soft goals. San Jose will likely continue with their high-energy, pressing style under coach Luchi Gonzalez. They typically shape up in a 4-3-3 with the front three pressing hard from the front. The aggressive Earthquakes have, however, often been left wide open at the back, most times when unable to win the ball high up the pitch.

In the past 20 meetings, San Jose won 9 matches, while Real Salt Lake won 5 matches and 6 matches ended in a draw.

H2H Streaks

Salt Lake is without a clean sheet in 3 consecutive matches

San Jose is without a clean sheet in 7 consecutive matches

6/7 matches ended with more than 2.5 goals

Both teams scored in 6/7 matches

This has the makings of a high-scoring game; both teams have attacking flair. Still, RSL does have the home advantage and is more balanced, so that may be what puts them over. Defensive issues for San Jose, especially away from home, will be their downfall.

RSL will likely take control early in the game, with Kreilach pulling the strings and maybe even getting on the board. San Jose will have their moments, but the general solidity of RSL should get them through for a narrow win.

• Real Salt Lake to Win and Over 2.5 Goals at 1.76 Odds
• Real Salt Lake to Win and Both Teams to Score at 2.27 Odds
• Real Salt Lake Win 2-1 at 9.00 Odds