Preview: Real Salt Lake vs. Dallas - prediction, team news, lineups

Two teams battling in the top half of the Major League Soccer Western League are set to meet on Sunday when Real Salt Lake host Dallas at Rio Tinto Stadium.

The hosts are currently in third place, but they have only managed two victories in their previous six, while the visitors have failed to in during that period.

Match preview

© Reuters

Real Salt Lake have enjoyed a fantastic campaign to this point, having only lost six games in total, even though they offer a much weaker goal difference than the two teams above them.

Pablo Mastroeni's men were able to showcase their goalscoring abilities during their previous match on Monday when they defeated Sporting Kansas City by three goals to nil.

Sergio Cordova, Pablo Ruiz, and Jefferson Savarino were all able to get themselves on the scoresheet, but this was only their second victory during their previous six outings.

It has been a difficult period for the Claret and Cobalt, where they have suffered a couple of draws and defeats along the way.

There have been a trio of clean sheets during this time for Real Salt Lake though, with Zac MacMath proving his qualities in goal to keep his team in any game.

© Reuters

Dallas are just four points behind their opponents, but they have struggled as of late having failed to pick up a victory in their previous six encounters.

Paul Arriola put his team in front during their most recent outing against Austin, but they were unable to hang onto that lead as Diego Fagundez helped them draw level.

Away from home is where the Burn have struggled the most, as they have only managed to win two games all season on the road, which they now need to focus on improving.

The visitors have had no problem finding the back of the net throughout this campaign though, and with 31 goals already, they will have the confidence to cause some problems.

This is the first time the two teams will meet this season, but their previous encounter last October saw Real Salt Lake win 2-1, which Dallas will now be looking to respond to.

Team News

© Reuters

Real Salt Lake are dealing with a few injury problems at the moment which is something that Mastroeni is having to juggle as Damir Kreilach is unavailable right now.

On top of that, Zack Farnsworth and Bret Halsey have been sidelined, which has added further problems, but considering they head into this with a 3-0 victory there could be no changes made.

Jesus Ferreira should be expected to lead the line on Sunday as the lone striker for the visitors, as he has been the danger man throughout this season with 11 goals to his name already.

Brandon Servania immediately returned to the team last weekend following his suspension, while Matt Hedges will be hopeful of retaining his place in the team this time out.

Real Salt Lake possible starting lineup:

MacMath; Herrera, Glad, Silva, Brody; Loffelsend, Ruiz, Chang, Savarino, Meram; Cordova

Dallas possible starting lineup:

Paes; Twumasi, Hedges, Martinez, Nanu; Servania, Quignon, Pomykal; Arriola, Velasco, Ferreira

We say: Real Salt Lake 2-1 Dallas

This is a game between two close teams which adds a lot of importance to the impact it could potentially have on the Western Conference.

Dallas will provide a goal threat in this game, which is something that they have showcased all season, but in the end, it could be Real Salt Lake who have too much.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.