Real Salt Lake play host to San Diego on Saturday night with both clubs looking to build on their positive starts to the new MLS campaign.
These two teams currently sit in ninth and fourth position respectively in the Western Conference table.
Match preview
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Having already been eliminated from the CONCACAF Champions Cup, it is fair to say that Real Salt Lake's season could have started on a more positive note.
That exit to Herediano followed a heavy 4-0 reverse at the hands of San Jose Earthquakes, but Pablo Mastroeni's side were able to get back on track last time out.
A 2-0 victory was recorded over Seattle Sounders, an early Nouhou Tolo own goal being followed by a late Forster Ajago goal after he had been introduced from the substitutes' bench.
With a first competitive victory under their belts in six games, there will be optimism that Real Salt Lake can now kick on as they bid to replicate their top-three finish in the Western Conference from 2024.
However, the Claret and Cobalt now face a team in San Diego who are one of only two teams to come through their opening two league fixtures without conceding a goal.
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Given that San Diego are participating in their first-ever MLS campaign, it is quite the achievement for Mikey Varas and his squad.
SDFC kicked off their competitive schedule with a 2-0 victory at the home of Los Angeles Galaxy, Anders Dreyer netting an historic double in California.
That was followed by a goalless draw at home to St. Louis City, extending the momentum ahead of a fixture that they will deem to be one of the toughest of the season.
Nevertheless, with a squad that boasts the likes of Northern Ireland international Paddy McNair and Mexico star Hirving Lozano, there is optimism that they will kick on as the season progresses and make an impact at the right end of the table.
Team News
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Ajago is in line for an immediate recall to the Real Salt Lake XI on the back of his goal as a substitute versus Seattle Sounders.
Ariath Piol will be the player to drop out of the attack should that alteration materialise, while Sam Junqua will be considered for a start at left-back.
Meanwhile, San Diego have suffered a blow with the news that Lozano will miss this contest through a hamstring injury, although the issue is not thought to be serious.
Despite his withdrawal 48 minutes after his introduction as a substitute in the previous game, Emmanuel Boateng is in line to deputise.
Providing that everyone else is fit, Varas is expected to retain the rest of the players that started versus St Louis City.
Real Salt Lake possible starting lineup:
Cabral; Brown, Glad, Quinton, Katranis; Ojeda, Eneli; Marczuk, Luna, Goncalves; Ajago
San Diego possible starting lineup:
Santos; Loffelsend, McVey, McNair, Negri; Godoy, Tverskov, De La Torre; Dreyer, Ingvartsen, Boateng
We say: Real Salt Lake 1-1 San Diego
With each team having already posted a win, there will be an element of confidence with both sides. On that note, we are going to sit on the fence and predict a hard-fought draw, a result that will not be negatively received by either head coach at this stage of the season.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Darren Plant
