Real Salt Lake lock horns with Los Angeles Galaxy at America First Field on Sunday in a top-of-the-table clash in the MLS Western Conference.
Both sides played out 2-2 draws in their last two meetings, but the hosts will be aiming for a victory this time to extend their winning streak on home turf.
Match preview
Real Salt Lake bounced back to winning ways with a thrilling 4-3 victory over Sporting Kansas City at Children's Mercy Park last time out.
The Claret and Cobalt took the lead through Andres Gomez, but Stephen Afrifa equalised before Anderson Julio restored the lead on the stroke of half-time. Gomez grabbed his second goal to extend the advantage, but Kansas City's William Agade netted twice to reduce the deficit.
Matt Crooks put RSL 4-2 up before Agade completed his brace in stoppage time. However, Pablo Mastroeni's men held on to secure the crucial three points.
That result ended Real Salt Lake's five-game winless run on the road as they remain top of the Western Conference table with 37 points from 19 MLS matches, three points clear of second-placed Los Angeles FC, who have a game in hand.
The Claret and Cobalt are unbeaten in their last 15 league games, picking up nine wins and six draws. They will be hoping to extend this impressive run against fellow high-flyers LA Galaxy on Sunday.
In the last five meetings between the two sides, three have finished all square, with each team winning one. However, RSL's victory came in the US Open Cup in June 2023.
LA Galaxy have won two games on the bounce since their defeat to Chicago Fire at the beginning of June. This puts them third in the Western Conference with 34 points, level with second-placed Los Angeles FC who have a game in hand.
Greg Vanney's team impressed against New York City FC on Wednesday, securing a 2-0 victory at Dignity Health Sports Park and extending their home winning streak to nine games.
However, their away form tells a different story. They have only managed three victories in 10 away matches, losing three times already.
Having won on their last league visit to Real Salt Lake, the Galaxy will be hoping to repeat the feat. However, they will be wary of avoiding consecutive away defeats for the first time this year after losing to Chicago Fire on their previous trip.
Team News
Real Salt Lake will be without Kevin Lambert, goalkeeper Gavin Beavers and midfielder Diego Luna, who are all away on international duty with their countries.
The hosts will also be without several players due to injuries as Marcelo Silva (hamstring), Pablo Ruiz (knee) and Justen Glad (ankle) have all been ruled out.
Defender Erik Holt remains out of action since picking up a hamstring injury back in February while Kevin Bonilla continues his lengthy spell on the sidelines.
The Galaxy are going to miss playmaker Riqui Puig because of a sore groin, Gaston Brugman through a knee injury and Jonathan Perez due to a hamstring injury.
Diego Fagundez and Dejan Joveljic were the scorers against New York City FC and they will be looking to find the net once again on Sunday.
Real Salt Lake possible starting lineup:
MacMath; Brody, Quinton, Vera, Oviedo; Eneli, Ojeda; Gomez, Arango, Barajas; Julio
Los Angeles Galaxy possible starting lineup:
McCarthy; Yamane, Neal, Yoshida, Aude; Cerrillo, Delgado; Pec, Fagundez, Paintsil; Joveljic
We say: Real Salt Lake 1-1 Los Angeles Galaxy
This is set to be a tight affair, with both sides having enjoyed strong MLS campaigns so far. We expect a draw, mirroring the outcome of their last two encounters.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
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