View From the Top
Real Salt Lake and Los Angeles FC have been two of the best teams in the MLS Western Conference this season. They will meet for the first time, perhaps a preview of the playoffs.
Salt Lake are currently the fifth seed, while LAFC have arguably been one of the best teams throughout the season, leading the entire league in points.
Check the latest MLS news, stats, injury reports, and MLS odds for Real Salt Lake vs Los Angeles FC. There are plenty of MLS picks and predictions for you to consider.
Real’s Struggling Offense
Real Salt Lake’s place in the West aside, they’ve struggled scoring. With just 30 goals, that’s 1.3 per game.
They didn’t have a player over five total goals until Jefferson Savarino scored in Salt Lake’s last game (23rd of the season). Savarino is the team’s leading scorer in nine games after signing in May, and has been a much-needed boost to Salt Lake.
It’s Finishing that’s been an issue, as FotMob listed Salt Lake as the team with more big chances missed (40) than any other club in the league. Creating the opportunities-they’re tied for fourth-but haven’t been able to convert. In his short time with the team, Savarino has already proven to be the sort of finisher the team has needed.
LAFC Only Getting Better
Los Angeles FC wre already one of the favorites to win the MLS Cup before the start of the season. One of the best rosters in the league, and that has only improved. tThey are playing as if no opponent can stand in their way.
With the allure of Hollywood, LAFC did sign stars from some of Europe’s biggest clubs on free transfers. Gareth Bale signed after his contract with Champions League winners Real Madrid expired and Giorgio Chiellini joined from Italian giants Juventus.
Bale is joining stacked attacking core that already comes second in total goals in the MLS. Chiellini is stepping into a backline that allows the fourth\-fewest goals this season.
Both need some time to get to full match fitness, coming in as two of the oldest players on the team. Chiellini had started all three games he had played, but was subbed off before the full 90 minutes. Bale was used as a sub. Even if Bale stays in a “super-sub” role, he has already proved he can make an impact, scoring a first MLS goal in his second game to seal a 2-0 victory over Sporting Kansas City.
Real Salt Lake vs Los Angeles FC Head-to-Head
- Previous Matches: 11
- Real Salt Lake Victories: 2 (12 goals)
- Los Angeles FC Victories: 9 (25 goals)
- Draws: 0
LAFC have dominated Real Salt Lake in the 11 games, winning 9. The two have never drawn, as Salt Lake has two wins, one away and one at home.
The last three games have been won by LAFC, each by one goal. They’ve defeated Salt Lake in their previous four games. The last time Salt Lake won was back in 2020.
Real Salt Lake vs Los Angeles FC Game Information
- Date: Saturday, Aug. 6
- Time: 10:00 p.m. ET
- Location: Rio Tinto Stadium, Sandy, UT
- Real Salt Lake vs Los Angeles FC Live Stream: fubo.tv
Real Salt Lake vs Los Angeles FC Betting Lines
Real Salt Lake vs Los Angeles FC Prediction
LAFC are on a roll that no team may be able to stop soon, winning eight of their last 10. Salt Lake has been better of late, but LAFC’s has been scoring all season long.
Both sides have a solid defense, LAFC’s 0.95 goals per game and Salt Lake with 1.26, so there might not be a lot of scoring.
Score Prediction: Los Angeles FC 2, Real Salt Lake 0
