Los Angeles FC vs. Real Salt Lake Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 22 September 2025

This Major League Soccer fixture pits 12th-placed Los Angeles FC against Real Salt Lake, who are 20th in the standings. With just a handful of rounds left, every point is crucial, especially for LAFC, who have their sights set on climbing higher as they host the match at BMO Stadium.

Los Angeles FC head into the match as the bookmakers’ favourite, thanks to their superior form and home advantage. Steve Cherundolo’s side has showcased strong attacking prowess, averaging 2.4 goals per game in their last 5 matches. Denis Bouanga, the team’s top scorer with 19 goals, is pivotal in their attack.

Real Salt Lake are struggling defensively, having conceded 11 goals in their last 5 outings. Moreover, they’ll be without key forward Victor Olatunji, who is suspended. This gives LAFC a clear edge.

Overall, the recommended bet is a home win for Los Angeles FC. Their attacking form and Real Salt Lake’s defensive frailties suggest a favourable outcome for the home side.

Los Angeles FC vs Real Salt Lake Prediction & Betting Tip

Here’s why the recommended tip for this match is a home win for Los Angeles FC:

Los Angeles FC vs Real Salt Lake Prediction
Betting tip	Odds
Home Win for Los Angeles FC	1.45

• Current Form: Los Angeles FC has a strong recent form with 3 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss in their last 5 matches, compared to Real Salt Lake’s 1 win and 4 losses.
• Scoring Ability: Los Angeles FC has scored 12 goals in their last 5 matches, averaging 2.40 goals per match, while Real Salt Lake has only managed 5 goals, averaging 1.00 goal per match.
• Defensive Comparison: Real Salt Lake has conceded 11 goals in their last 5 matches, highlighting defensive vulnerabilities, whereas Los Angeles FC has conceded only 6.

To top it off, LAFC recently thumped Real Salt Lake 4-1 in their last encounter, underscoring their dominance. Given these factors, a home win for Los Angeles FC is the most supported outcome.

Los Angeles FC vs Real Salt Lake Odds

Let’s dive into the betting odds for this exciting Major League Soccer matchup between Los Angeles FC and Real Salt Lake.

Los Angeles FC vs Real Salt Lake Betting Odds
Bet	Odds
Los Angeles FC	1.45
Draw	4.53
Real Salt Lake	6.10
Los Angeles FC are the clear favourites with odds of 1.45, reflecting their strong form and home advantage. A draw stands at 4.53, while Real Salt Lake, who have struggled defensively lately, are the underdogs with odds of 6.10.

These odds indicate that a bet on Los Angeles FC to win is very attractive, considering their recent 4-1 victory over the same opponents and notable offensive strength. Additionally, the odds of a draw or away win are higher, reflecting the perceived disparity in form and ability between the two sides.

Los Angeles FC Team Analysis

Los Angeles FC Recent Performance

Los Angeles FC have shown an impressive run in their recent fixtures, boasting 3 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss in their last 5 matches. Their recent form reads WDLWW.

In these matches, LAFC have been prolific in front of goal, netting an average of 2.40 goals per game. Defensively, they have kept 1 clean sheet in their last 5 outings, conceding a total of 6 goals.

Notable victories include a commanding 4-1 win against Real Salt Lake and a 4-2 away win at San Jose Earthquakes. The only setback was a close 1-2 loss to San Diego FC at home, highlighting LAFC’s generally strong recent performance and ability to bounce back quickly.

Such form is crucial as they push for higher standings, currently holding the 12th spot with 47 points. Their offensive capabilities and recent winning momentum make them a formidable side.

Los Angeles FC Key Players

Los Angeles FC will be counting on their star striker Denis Bouanga, who has already netted 19 goals this season, making him their top scorer. Bouanga’s ability to find the back of the net consistently will be crucial against Real Salt Lake’s shaky defense.

Another key player is Heung-Min Son, a recent signing who has seamlessly integrated into the squad. His speed and creativity on the wing can disrupt any defense, creating numerous goal-scoring opportunities.

In the midfield, Marco Delgado orchestrates play, providing stability and effective distribution. Sergi Palencia and Ryan Porteous will be vital in defense, with goalkeeper Hugo Lloris bringing international experience and leadership.

Expected lineup for Los Angeles FC:

• Goalkeeper: Hugo Lloris
• Defenders: Sergi Palencia, Ryan Porteous, Nkosi Tafari Burgess, Artem Smolyakov
• Midfielders: Mathieu Choiniere, Marco Delgado, Eddie Segura
• Attackers: Timothy Tillman, Heung-Min Son, Denis Bouanga

Los Angeles FC Suspensions & Injuries

Los Angeles FC are dealing with a few injury concerns as they prepare for their clash against Real Salt Lake. They will be without several key players, which could impact their squad depth and options.

Lorenzo Dellavalle is out with a leg injury and is expected to return in late September 2025, while Aaron Long’s Achilles tendon injury rules him out for the season. Jeremy Ebobisse and Nathan Ordaz also have leg injuries, with potential returns in late September and early October 2025, respectively. Igor Jesus is facing a long-term absence due to a cruciate ligament injury, with a projected return in mid-May 2026.

While these absentees might limit their rotation options, LAFC’s recent form suggests they have sufficient depth to handle this challenge.

Los Angeles FC Tactics and Formation

Los Angeles FC Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Denis Bouanga
• Midfield Trio: Mathieu Choiniere, Marco Delgado, Eddie Segura
• Defensive Strength: One clean sheet in the last five games.
• Notable Strategy: Strong attacking presence, averaging 2.40 goals per match in the last 5 games.

Los Angeles FC, under the guidance of Steve Cherundolo, usually line up in a 4-3-3 formation. They emphasize high-tempo, attacking football with Denis Bouanga leading the charge as their main forward, supported by Heung-Min Son on the wing, who adds both speed and creativity.

The midfield trio of Choiniere, Delgado, and Segura provide a balanced mix of defensive solidity and creative playmaking, linking up well with the forwards. The defence, marshalled by Hugo Lloris in goal, has shown resilience but will need to tighten up, given they’ve conceded 6 goals in their last 5 games.

Their approach often involves capitalizing on the 61-75 minute interval for scoring opportunities, as that’s when they tend to ramp up the pressure on the opposition.

Real Salt Lake Team Analysis

Real Salt Lake Recent Performance

Real Salt Lake has struggled considerably in their recent fixtures, managing only 1 win amidst 4 losses in their last 5 matches. Their recent form reads LLLWL.

During these matches, Real Salt Lake has averaged 1.00 goal per game, highlighting their struggles in attack. Defensively, they’ve conceded 11 goals across these 5 games, revealing significant vulnerabilities at the back and failing to keep any clean sheets.

Recent defeats such as the 1-4 loss to Los Angeles FC and the 1-3 defeat against Minnesota United point to ongoing defensive frailties. Their only victory in this stretch came against Sporting Kansas City, a modest 2-1 home win.

Their current position of 20th in the standings, coupled with their inconsistency, indicates that they need to turn things around rapidly to avoid a disappointing season.

Real Salt Lake Key Players

For Real Salt Lake, Diego Luna stands out as the key player, being the top scorer with 9 goals this season. He will need to be at his best to trouble LAFC’s defense.

In midfield, Braian Ojeda will be critical in providing both defensive cover and creative spark. His battle against LAFC’s Marco Delgado will be one to watch.

Defensively, Justen Glad will need to step up and organize a backline that has been porous, conceding 11 goals in the last 5 matches. His leadership will be crucial in keeping LAFC’s attacking threats at bay.

With Victor Olatunji suspended, the pressure will fall on William Agada to lead the attack and support Rwan Cruz upfront.

Expected lineup for Real Salt Lake:

• Goalkeeper: Rafael Cabral
• Defenders: Noel Caliskan, Justen Glad, Brayan Vera, Alexandros Katranis
• Midfielders: Zavier Gozo, Emeka Eneli, Braian Ojeda, Diego Luna
• Attackers: Rwan Cruz, William Agada

Real Salt Lake Suspensions & Injuries

Real Salt Lake face significant challenges due to injuries and suspensions as they prepare to take on Los Angeles FC. They will be without several key players, which could severely affect their performance.

Victor Olatunji, a critical forward, is suspended due to a red card and will miss the match. This leaves a significant void in their attacking options.

Injuries have also plagued the squad, with Matthew Bell (hamstring), Javain Brown (knee), Zac MacMath (shoulder), Pablo Ruiz (hip), and Diogo Gonçalves (hamstring) all sidelined. Most of these players are expected to return in late September or mid-October, but their absence will undoubtedly impact the team’s depth and options.

The defensive unit, already struggling, will be further weakened, providing an even greater challenge against LAFC’s potent attack.

Real Salt Lake Tactics and Formation

Real Salt Lake Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-4-2
• Key Forward: Diego Luna
• Midfield Duo: Braian Ojeda, Emeka Eneli
• Defensive Weakness: No clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Often conceding late in matches, specifically in the 76-90 minute interval

Real Salt Lake usually set up in a 4-4-2 formation under the guidance of Pablo Mastroeni. Diego Luna, their top scorer, leads the attack and will be crucial in their attempts to break down LAFC’s defence.

The midfield comprises Braian Ojeda and Emeka Eneli, who will need to balance between providing defensive cover and creative support. Defensively, Justen Glad will anchor the backline, which has struggled this season, evidenced by their lack of clean sheets in recent matches.

The team often finds themselves vulnerable in the latter stages of games, specifically between the 76th and 90th minutes, which is something they will need to address against an attacking-minded LAFC.

Los Angeles FC vs Real Salt Lake Head-to-Head Statistics

Looking at the last 5 head-to-head encounters between Los Angeles FC and Real Salt Lake:

1. 2025-09-18: Real Salt Lake 1 – 4 Los Angeles FC
2. 2024-07-18: Los Angeles FC 1 – 1 Real Salt Lake
3. 2024-03-02: Real Salt Lake 3 – 0 Los Angeles FC
4. 2023-10-02: Los Angeles FC 0 – 1 Real Salt Lake
5. 2023-08-09 Leagues Cup Final Stage: Los Angeles FC 4 – 0 Real Salt Lake

Both teams have had their fair share of victories, but LAFC’s recent 4-1 thrashing of Real Salt Lake indicates an upper hand in current form. Historically, encounters have been somewhat balanced, but LAFC seems to hold a slight advantage, having outscored Real Salt Lake 10-6 over these games.

The teams have shown variances in their performances, and with the last victory heavily favouring LAFC, they look poised to exploit Real Salt Lake’s defensive frailties once again in this match.

Odds accurate as of 20.09.2025 02:03, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.