Real Salt Lake are set to take on DC United in Major League Soccer (MLS) this week, with both teams in desperate need of the three points.
The hosts come into the match in 13th place in the Western Conference, and their season is on the verge of spiralling into nothingness following a streak of seven matches without a win.
DC United aren't doing much better out in the East. They are in 12th position, seven points away from a place in the postseason.
How the bookies view it: Real Salt Lake go in as favourites
The bookies are leaning towards Real Salt Lake for this one, with BoyleSports making them the 7/10 favourites. The odds are shorter than expected given their form, but it is a long journey over to Utah from Washington, and that could play a part. BoyleSports have priced an away win at 3/1 and the draw at 11/4.
Head to head: Advantage RSL
Another reason why Real Salt Lake have been made favourites for this clash is likely due to their recent record in this fixture. The hosts have won three of their last five matches against DC United and beat them in Washington in their most recent clash back in June 2023. DC United's last triumph over RSL was in March 2019 when they romped to a 5-0 victory.
Players to watch: Who will step up to the mark in the absence of superstars?
Both teams will be without their best players and top goalscorers for this match, with Christian Benteke expected to be out through injury for DC United and Diego Luna not expected to be considered for selection for Real Salt Lake after being away with the United States on international duty.
In their absence, other players must step forward. For DC United, the most likely candidate is David Schengg. The Austrian wingback has been their most productive playmaker so far this season with four MLS assists to his name. One issue he may have this week, however, is a lack of targets in the box with Benteke out injured.
For Real Salt Lake, their next highest scorer after Luna is a selection of players with one goal. If this doesn't illustrate just how much they lean on the 21-year-old, then nothing will. William Agada only signed for the club at the end of April, and he scored his first goal for the club two weeks ago against Austin FC. Can the forward now go on a run?
Predicted line-ups
Diego Luna will almost certainly miss out due to the quick turnaround in matches after the international break. Also out for the hosts are Javain Brown, Zac MacMath and Justen Glad. As mentioned, DC United are missing Christian Benteke, in addition to Jackson Hopkins and Lucas MacNaughton.
Real Salt Lake: Cabral – Caliskan, Vera, Quinton, Junqua – Marczuk, Gozo, Russell, Ojeda, Palacio; Agada
DC United: Barraza – Tubbs, Bartlett, Antley, Schnegg – Kijima, Pirani, Zouhir-Takedam, Servania, Stroud – Murrell
Anything else catch the eye?
This won't be the highest-scoring match of the season, due to the key attacking personnel that will be watching from the sidelines. Additionally, DC United had seven goals put past them last time out, so they will be more focused than ever on their defensive duties. Under 2.5 goals to be scored has been priced at 1/1 by BoyleSports.
GambleAware