Stakes high in top-six battle
Our Real Salt Lake vs Saint Louis City SC prediction is influenced by the recent dominance of Real Salt Lake against Saint Louis City SC in their recent head-to-heads, winning two and drawing one of their last three MLS meetings.
The two-time MLS Cup winners hold the edge in the Real Salt Lake vs Saint Louis City SC odds as they enter the match as clear favourites at 1.72 with the bookies, while STL are 4.30 outsiders.
Playoff positioning is at stake in this MLS Western Conference clash.
Each side has key midfielders who can be playmakers in transition and the top scorers from both will be expected to deliver on Sunday, so the midfield battle will be pivotal.
According to our Real Salt Lake vs Saint Louis City SC preview, Real Salt Lake are a more structured team than STL and will look to control the game by playing a measured, possession-based game.
They will press selectively and have the tactical nous to keep their best players fresh when they are ahead and the right ones to pressure the opposition when they are behind.
Chaotic STL may have a few goals in them
Saint Louis City’s coach has installed an intense pressing system and they do play some superb football when they can make a fast vertical transition off a turnover. The only problem is they can let the opponent off the hook at times and get exposed on the counter attack by teams who are more organised.
The visitors only managed one win in 2023’s MLS games against RSL, and that win came in March 2023. Since then, STL have lost two and drawn once.
The STL forwards were on fire that day and will need to be again to have any hope of beating RSL this weekend, but that won’t be enough unless their defence can keep the Utah-based hosts at bay. Real Salt Lake are typically the more efficient side and will come back hard if they take the lead in this clash – and they almost always do against STL. For those looking for Real Salt Lake vs Saint Louis City SC betting tips, expect a hard-fought encounter with both teams having clear strengths and weaknesses.
Real Salt Lake have the recent edge
The difference between these clubs is not great in terms of the talent they possess and both are capable of having a huge impact on a game of football. But the Real Salt Lake vs Saint Louis City SC prediction has to factor in that Real Salt Lake have had Saint Louis City SC's number and seem to have the extra spark needed to close out games.
This fixture is usually a little crazy and the under 3.5 goals option may be worth taking on the off-chance that either manager decides to play it tight, but we can’t see that happening.
This could be a real battle to find the rhythm in the early stages and the team that establishes some momentum will probably hold on for the win.
The altitude and the weather in Utah might help the home team a touch in the second half when the pace is high, so we’re taking Real Salt Lake to win while the odds are still in their favour. In summary, the Real Salt Lake vs Saint Louis City SC prediction slightly favours the hosts in what promises to be a compelling matchup.
