Real Salt Lake have just 5 matches remaining in the regular MLS season to secure a place in the playoffs. They currently sit eighth in the Western Conference with 35 points from their 29 games played. While that leaves outside the playoff positions, a win this weekend and other results going their way could see them move into the playoff places.
FC Dallas are currently in possession of the final playoff place and Real Salt Lake are just 2 points behind them in the Western Conference, although FC Dallas do have 2 games in hand.
Real Salt Lake’s opponent this weekend is Portland Timbers who are second in the Western Conference. Portland Timbers are level on points with leaders Vancouver Whitecaps and should be guaranteed a place in the playoffs this season.
Real Salt Lake Form
Real Salt Lake have their poor early season form to thank for their current position in the Western Conference.
They have recovered somewhat in recent weeks, remaining undefeated in 7 of their last 9 MLS games but this run of form may have come too late. Real Salt Lake have won 3 of their last 5 games, defeating DC United away and San Jose Earthquakes and Colorado Rapids at home.
The 2 defeats in their last 9 games have come away from home at the hands of Montreal Impact and Vancouver Whitecaps last weekend.
Real Salt Lake have lost 1 of their previous 10 matches at home in the MLS this season.
Portland Timbers Form
Portland Timbers come into this match with confidence having defeated New Yok City 1-0 away from home last weekend.
That great result extends their unbeaten run to 4 games in the MLS, including wins over New York Red Bulls and Colorado Rapids, both of which came at home. There was also a 1-1 draw at Seattle Sounders two weeks ago.
Away from on home in the MLS, Portland Timbers have won 2 of their previous 12 games. The victories have come at New York City and Vancouver Whitecaps, two of the top teams in the MLS this season.
Portland Timbers have scored at least 1 goal in their last 8 away MLS games.
Team News
Real Salt Lake are without Chad Barrett for this game who is injured and there are also doubts over the fitness of Jordan Allen and Demar Phillips. Portland Timbers are likely to be without the injured trio of Chance Myers, Jeff Attinella and Liam Ridgewell. Fanendo Adi and Jack Gleeson are also struggling for fitness.
Top Betting Tips
Despite Portland Timbers’ good away form, the bookmakers have Real Salt Lake as favourites for this match which makes the 10/11 Portland Timbers win or draw double chance with Ladbrokes a tempting bet.
Portland Timbers have scored goals in each of their last 8 games and Real Salt Lake have netted 8 times in their previous 2 home games. The draw and over 2.5 goals is 17/2 with Ladbrokes.
Diego Valeri has been in great goal scoring form for Portland Timbers this season. The Argentine midfielder has scored in each of his last 6 games and has 17 for the season in the MLS. Valeri is 15/8 to score any time with Coral.