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Austin will play host to Real Salt Lake at Q2 Stadium in Major League Soccer on Saturday. Both teams are looking to consolidate their gains so far in this campaign.
Austin vs Real Salt Lake Preview
The hosts have won nine matches out of 30, drawing eight and losing 13, which leaves them 11th in the Western Conference table on 35 points. Austin are yet to seal qualification for the playoffs, as they sit two places behind the wild-card round zone. However, they could achieve that if they win three of their remaining four matches.
The Verde and Black are pursuing their second qualification for the playoffs following their debut in the mini-league in 2022, when they reached the semi-finals. Last season, they finished 12th in the Western Conference and failed to qualify for the playoffs. The hosts have lost twice in their last two meetings with Salt Lake.
The visitors have been impressive this season, scoring 14 victories out of 30 matches, alongside nine draws. Real Salt Lake sit second in the Western Conference standings on 51 points, trailing the top spot by seven points. With 12 points still up for grabs, they could close that gap and win their first conference championship.
Claret and Cobalt will qualify for the CONCACAF Champions Cup round one and round one of the playoffs if they maintain their position. However, they will need to fight to win much of the remaining games to avoid being outpaced by the teams behind them. In their last clash, Salt Lake handed Austin a 5-1 crushing defeat at home.
Austin vs Real Salt Lake Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- Austin have won twice, drawn once and lost twice in their last five matches against Salt Lake.
- Austin have won twice, drawn once and lost once in their last four matches at home against Salt Lake.
- Austin have won once, drawn once and lost thrice in their last five matches at home in all competitions.
- Salt Lake have won once, drawn once and lost thrice in their last five matches on the road.
- Austin have won once, drawn once and lost thrice in their last five matches while Salt Lake have won twice, drawn once and lost twice. Form Guide: Austin – L-D-L-L-W, Salt Lake – D-W-L-W-L.
Austin vs Real Salt Lake Prediction
There is no room for error if Austin are to qualify for the playoffs. Each of the four remaining matches must be treated as a final game.
Salt Lake star Cristian Arango is eying the top scorer gong. He sits second on the chart with 17 goals, trailing the leader by just two.
Real Salt Lake are expected to prevail based on form and momentum.
Prediction: Austin 1-2 Real Salt Lake
Austin vs Real Salt Lake Betting Tips
Tip 1: Result – Real Salt Lake to win
Tip 2: Game to have over 2.5 goals – Yes
Tip 3: Salt Lake to score first – Yes
Tip 4: Austin to score - Yes
