- Real Salt Lake have lost two of their last five matches, winning their last two across all competitions.
- FC Dallas have won two and drawn two of their last five, winning their last two.
Tight battle on the West Coast
Real Salt Lake (9th) and FC Dallas (10th) are in the Western Conference standings, with RSL on 27 points from 17 games and Dallas on 27 from 18, so this Thursday's contest at America First Field will be a tight affair.
Real Salt Lake are the slight favourites at 9/10, with Dallas at 5/2 and the draw at 29/10, but it's an awkward match to call as the last five head-to-head meetings have seen RSL win once, Dallas twice and two draws.
Real Salt Lake have lost just once in eight MLS 2026 home matches, while Dallas have won four, drawn two and lost three away from home, so there's little to split them on paper.
Real Salt Lake have more goals in them
RSL have won just two of their last five MLS 2026 matches, but they go into this one fresh from back-to-back victories in all competitions. Pablo Mastroeni has been in charge since August 2021 and his 3-5-2 formation has turned RSL into a high-energy side that press compactly and get forward quickly, which should suit this fixture well.
After drawing 1-1 with Tigres UANL before losing on penalties to them in the CONCACAF Leagues Cup, RSL responded with a 4-0 home win over Atlante and a 3-0 home victory over FC Juarez.
Eric Quill has been in charge of Dallas since November 2024 and has got them playing on the front foot with a fluid back-three that can press high and advance quickly. FC Dallas' last two matches were a 2-0 win over Queretaro at home and a 1-0 win at Chivas Guadalajara in the CONCACAF Leagues Cup, so they travel well.
Back BTTS and over 2.5 goals
Real Salt Lake have scored 13 goals across their last five and Dallas should be able to take the game to them, so I am going to chance over 2.5 goals at 1/2 and also both teams to score at 9/20, as that looks a tasty alternative angle here.
Real Salt Lake should be more likely to win this close contest, however, given they are at home and the odds are on their side. Sergi Solans has seven MLS 2026 goals in 17 appearances, but has five in RSL's last 13 goals across their past five games. Petar Musa is Dallas' talisman with 13 in 16 MLS 2026 games and he can give the visitors that extra ruthless edge in the attacking third.
Three months ago, Dallas beat RSL 3-1 at home and they have the ability to do it again in this match, although I think it's more likely that this time the visitors will have to settle for a point in a lively clash.
