Real Salt Lake VS Sporting KC Match Prediction

Sporting KC ended a seven-game winless streak in MLS fixtures against Real Salt Lake by beating them 3-0 at home in April. The two do tend to be evenly-matched, however, and while they did not beat them in the league for four years, Sporting KC did triumph in the 2013 MLS Play-offs and 2015 US Open Cup. Here are the results of their last five matches:

Apr 30, 2017: Sporting KC 3-0 Real Salt Lake
Oct 16, 2016: Real Salt Lake 0-0 Sporting KC
May 22, 2016: Sporting KC 1-3 Real Salt Lake
Apr 03, 2016: Sporting KC 1-2 Real Salt Lake
Aug 13, 2015: Sporting KC 3-1 Real Salt Lake

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Real Salt Lake vs Sporting Kansas City Betting Tips

While Real Salt Lake have been prolific in front of goal in their last two matches, Sporting KC will offer up a much sterner test thanks to their impressive defensive record.

With Dom Dwyer back up front for the visitors too, it is the conference leaders who could enjoy the more potent attacking threat on Sunday in fact – particularly given Real Salt Lake’s leaky defence this season.

And while Real Salt Lake have had a decent record in this fixture, the 3-0 defeat in Kansas earlier in the season is a more accurate reflection of what to expect on Sunday.

The visitors are almost at full strength, with only two international call-ups compared to some of their rivals who have been severely depleted by the Gold Cup.

They have had time to regroup too, with 11 days off since their last fixture, whereas Real Salt Lake are playing twice in a matter of days. It is all pointing in favour of an away win on Sunday.

Real Salt Lake vs Sporting Kansas City Recommended bets with odds

Bovada have actually picked Real Salt Lake as favourites for this clash, but only just – the hosts are 8/5 while you can get 17/10 on an away win – generous odds given their table-topping form and near full-strength line-up.

Despite Sporting KC’s strong defence, Real Salt Lake’s recent success in front of goal – with ten in two games – means you should back both teams to score. On its own, that is worth 7/10, but combined with the Sporting KC win that improves to 9/2.

The reverse fixture finished 3-0, which will fetch you 30/1 with Bovada, while a 3-1 away win is worth 22/1.

Real Salt Lake vs Sporting Kansas City Prediction

Real Salt Lake have hit some good form, but Sporting KC are top of the Western Conference for a reason.

Correct score prediction- Real Salt Lake 1-3 Sporting KC

Team News

Alongside having no players at the Gold Cup, Real Salt Lake’s injury worries are easing, with Sunny and David Horst back in the starting XI at Portland Timbers in midweek. Aaron Maund, Luke Mulholland and Yura Moyvisyan all missed that game but the former two could return on Sunday. Moyvisyan, however, is out with a hip injury. Kyle Beckerman is suspended after his red card against Portland Timbers, but the decision has been appealed.

Key Man

Joao Plata scored twice in the 4-1 win at Portland Timbers, while Albert Rusnak netted also netted his fifth of the season in that game, to add to the six assists he has provided.

Team Form

Real Salt Lake have scored ten goals in their last two league games, both away from home, having followed up a 6-2 thrashing of LA Galaxy with a 4-1 win at Portland Timbers.

Real Salt Lake Predicted Starting Line-up

Expected Line-up: 4-2-3-1

Team News

Ike Opara is out with concussion, while Dom Dwyer is back after being released early from Gold Cup duty. Matt Besler and Graham Zusi remain with the American squad, however.

Key Man

Striker Dom Dwyer’s return is a big boost for Sporting KC up front. He will hope to add to his six goals this season, alongside eight-goal top scorer Gerso.

Team Form

Sporting Kansas City are now unbeaten in nine games, but will have had 11 days without a game since their 3-0 extra-time win against FC Dallas in the US Open Cup. They drew their last two league games 1-1, at home to Philadelphia Union and Portland Timbers, but won their most recent away league match – beating LA Galaxy 2-1.

Sporting KC Predicted Starting Line-up

Expected Line-up: 4-3-3

Real Salt Lake ruthlessly thrashed nine-man Portland Timbers in midweek, but Sporting KC offer a very different challenge. The Western Conference leaders have lost just four times this season, and their tight defence should prove key again on Sunday.

While Sporting Kansas City have conceded less goals than anybody else in the MLS this year (14), Real Salt Lake have conceded the most (41).