Real Salt Lake vs. Austin FC Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 28 September 2025

With MLS playoff spots still up for grabs, this match between Real Salt Lake and Austin FC is crucial for both teams. Real Salt Lake sits 22nd on the league standings with 34 points, while Austin FC holds the 15th spot with 44 points.

Recent form suggests a tough challenge for Real Salt Lake, whose last five results (LLWLL) highlight defensive vulnerabilities, conceding 2.60 goals on average. Meanwhile, Austin FC looks stronger with a recent record (WWLWW) and has averaged 1.80 goals per game.

Historically, encounters between these two teams have been high-scoring affairs, with more than 2.5 goals scored in 80% of their last 10 meetings. Despite Austin FC being the underdogs according to bookmaker odds (3.83), their strong offensive capabilities make them a formidable opponent.

Our match tip reflects the attacking strength of both squads: Both Teams to Score (Yes). Given the past patterns and current form, it’s likely to be an entertaining goal-filled encounter.

With Real Salt Lake’s playoff hopes fading and Austin FC aiming to solidify their position, the stage is set for a gripping match at America First Field.

Real Salt Lake vs Austin FC Prediction & Betting Tip

Best Bet Recommendation: Both Teams to Score (Yes)

Reasoning:

1. Recent Form: Both Real Salt Lake and Austin FC have seen both teams score in 80% of their recent matches, indicating a strong trend of both teams finding the net.
2. Head-to-Head History: In their last 5 meetings, matches have been closely contested with both teams scoring in most encounters, reinforcing the likelihood of both teams scoring again.
3. Defensive Vulnerabilities: Real Salt Lake has conceded an average of 2.60 goals per match in their last 5 games, while Austin FC has conceded 1.20 goals per match, suggesting defensive weaknesses that both teams can exploit.

Given these statistics, the "Both Teams to Score (Yes)" bet is supported by recent performances and historical data, making it a strong choice for this match.

Real Salt Lake vs Austin FC Odds

The odds for this Major League Soccer clash between Real Salt Lake and Austin FC are intriguing. Real Salt Lake, despite their recent struggles, are considered the favourites to win with odds of 1.83. A draw is valued at 3.75, while an away victory for Austin FC is pegged at 3.83.

This spread of odds suggests that bookmakers give Real Salt Lake a slight edge, likely due to home advantage and previous encounters, even though Austin FC’s recent form is superior. As both teams have shown tendencies towards conceding goals, betting markets find this match challenging to predict. The possibility of a draw or an away win should not be dismissed lightly, making this a potentially rewarding fixture for bettors willing to take a chance.

Real Salt Lake Team Analysis

Real Salt Lake Recent Performance

Real Salt Lake’s recent form has been a rollercoaster, recording just one win in their last five matches (LLWLL). They managed to secure a 2-1 victory against Sporting Kansas City but have otherwise struggled, particularly in defence. Their recent losses against Los Angeles FC were heavy, conceding four goals in each encounter.

Crucially, Real Salt Lake has not kept a clean sheet in their last five games, highlighting their defensive frailties. They have conceded an average of 2.60 goals per match in this period, signalling significant defensive issues that need addressing.

On the attacking front, the team averages 1.00 goals per game, with Diego Luna leading the scoring charts with nine goals this season. With their playoff hopes hanging by a thread, Real Salt Lake will be eager to turn their fortunes around in this crucial fixture against Austin FC.

Real Salt Lake Key Players

Real Salt Lake will be heavily reliant on their top scorer, Diego Luna, who has netted nine goals this season. Luna’s ability to find the back of the net will be crucial if Real Salt Lake hopes to secure a win.

In midfield, Braian Ojeda and Zavier Gozo will be vital for creating opportunities and controlling the game’s flow. Defensively, Justen Glad and Brayan Vera need to step up their game to address the team’s recent defensive issues.

The expected lineup for Real Salt Lake against Austin FC is:

• Goalkeeper: Rafael Cabral
• Defenders: DeAndre Yedlin, Justen Glad, Brayan Vera, Alexandros Katranis
• Midfielders: Zavier Gozo, Emeka Eneli, Braian Ojeda, Diego Luna
• Forwards: Rwan Cruz, Victor Olatunji

Key individual battles will include Luna facing off against Austin FC’s centre-backs, and the midfield duo of Ojeda and Eneli competing with Austin FC’s Daniel Pereira and Nicolas Dubersarsky.

Real Salt Lake Suspensions & Injuries

Real Salt Lake faces several injury concerns heading into this crucial match against Austin FC. Key players like Matthew Bell (hamstring), Javain Brown (knee), and Zac MacMath (shoulder) are all sidelined, with potential returns in early October 2025. Additionally, Pablo Ruiz is out until mid-October due to a hip injury.

The absence of these players, especially in defence and midfield, may exacerbate Real Salt Lake’s recent struggles at the back and limit their ability to control the game. These injuries put added pressure on the rest of the squad to step up and fill the gaps, making their task against a strong Austin FC even more challenging. Despite no suspensions, these injuries are a significant setback for Pablo Mastroeni’s side.

Real Salt Lake Tactics and Formation

Real Salt Lake approaches this match with a standard 4-4-2 formation, aiming to balance their offensive and defensive duties. Despite recent struggles, this formation allows them to exploit wide areas and create chances through their wingers.

Real Salt Lake Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-4-2
• Key Forward: Diego Luna
• Midfield Quartet: Zavier Gozo, Emeka Eneli, Braian Ojeda, Diego Luna
• Defensive Setup: DeAndre Yedlin, Justen Glad, Brayan Vera, Alexandros Katranis
• Notable Strategy: High pressing early in both halves to disrupt the opponent’s rhythm.

With this setup, Pablo Mastroeni’s side will look to mitigate their defensive vulnerabilities by maintaining a solid midfield and creating opportunities through quick transitions and wing play. However, their recent form (LLWLL) shows a need to strengthen defensively while also looking to make the most of Luna and the forward line’s scoring potential.

Austin FC Team Analysis

Austin FC Recent Performance

Austin FC has been in impressive form, recording four wins and just one loss in their last five fixtures (WWLWW). Their recent 2-1 victory against Seattle Sounders FC and a strong showing in the US Open Cup against Minnesota United illustrate their momentum.

Offensively, Austin FC averages 1.80 goals per game over this period, showcasing their robust attacking abilities. They haven’t kept a clean sheet in their last five league outings, highlighting some defensive vulnerabilities. However, their ability to score consistently has often compensated for these lapses at the back.

Crucially, Myrto Uzuni has been essential, leading the team with six goals this season. With a solid run of form and key players performing well, Austin FC appears well-prepared for their clash with Real Salt Lake.

Austin FC Key Players

Austin FC will look to their top scorer, Myrto Uzuni, who has netted six goals this season, to lead the charge against Real Salt Lake. Uzuni’s form will be crucial in breaking down Real Salt Lake’s porous defence.

Another key player is Diego Rubio, who has been instrumental in their attacking setup and will likely pose a significant threat upfront. In midfield, Owen Wolff’s creativity and Daniel Pereira’s work rate are vital in maintaining control and creating opportunities.

The expected Austin FC lineup is:

• Goalkeeper: Brad Stuver
• Defenders: Jon Gallagher, Brendan Hines-Ike, Oleksandr Svatok, Guilherme Biro
• Midfielders: Nicolas Dubersarsky, Daniel Pereira, Owen Wolff
• Forwards: Osman Bukari, Diego Rubio, Jader Obrian

Key battles on the pitch will include Uzuni against Real Salt Lake’s centre-backs and Wolff’s midfield duel with Ojeda and Eneli.

Austin FC Suspensions & Injuries

Austin FC heads into this match with a relatively clean bill of health, with only Brandon Vázquez sidelined due to a knee injury. Vazquez’s absence is a blow, as his potential return is not until mid-October 2025, impacting the team’s attacking depth.

However, the rest of the squad is fit and available, giving Nico Estévez plenty of options to choose from. This minimal injury list means that Austin FC can field a strong lineup, which is crucial as they look to solidify their position in the league standings. The lack of suspensions also ensures that they can maintain their recent momentum with a full-strength side, which bodes well for their chances against Real Salt Lake.

Austin FC Tactics and Formation

Austin FC employs a versatile approach, often switching between formations depending on the opposition. For their match against Real Salt Lake, they are likely to utilise a 4-3-3 formation to capitalise on their attacking prowess.

Austin FC Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Myrto Uzuni
• Midfield Trio: Nicolas Dubersarsky, Daniel Pereira, Owen Wolff
• Defensive Setup: Jon Gallagher, Brendan Hines-Ike, Oleksandr Svatok, Guilherme Biro
• Notable Strategy: High pressing, especially between the 31-45-minute interval, and exploiting defensive lapses in the final 15 minutes.

With Uzuni as the focal point up front, supported by Bukari and Obrian on the flanks, Austin FC aims to stretch Real Salt Lake’s defence. The midfield trio of Dubersarsky, Pereira, and Wolff will be essential in controlling the tempo and facilitating swift transitions. Austin FC’s focus on high pressing and utilising the width can exploit Real Salt Lake’s defensive vulnerabilities effectively.

Real Salt Lake vs Austin FC Head-to-Head Statistics

Reviewing the last five meetings between Real Salt Lake and Austin FC reveals a pattern of high-scoring affairs. Historically, more than 2.5 goals have been scored in 80% of their encounters.

Here’s a brief look at their recent matchups:

• 2025-05-29: Austin FC 1 – 1 Real Salt Lake
• 2024-09-29: Austin FC 2 – 2 Real Salt Lake
• 2024-06-02: Real Salt Lake 5 – 1 Austin FC
• 2023-06-04: Austin FC 1 – 2 Real Salt Lake
• 2023-03-12: Real Salt Lake 1 – 2 Austin FC

In all these fixtures, both teams often found the net, confirming our betting tip: Both Teams to Score (Yes). Despite Real Salt Lake’s home advantage, Austin FC’s solid form levels the playing field. This trend suggests another entertaining and potentially high-scoring encounter at America First Field on 28 September 2025.

Odds accurate as of 26/09/2025 02:34, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.