Real Salt Lake vs. Sporting Kansas City Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 14 September 2025

Get ready for a thrilling MLS clash as Real Salt Lake takes on Sporting Kansas City at America First Field. Real Salt Lake, currently sitting 21st on the table, will look to solidify their season with a win against their opponents, who are languishing in 24th. Despite a below-average form, Real Salt Lake are the bookmakers’ favourites, boasting odds of 1.62 for a home win.

Recent encounters between these two teams have been action-packed, and given that Sporting Kansas City has seen both teams score in 72% of their matches this season, our tip is to bet on both teams to score. Real Salt Lake managed a narrow 1-0 win the last time they hosted Kansas City, which adds an interesting dynamic to this encounter.

With key players like Diego Luna and Dejan Joveljic, and an array of injuries for both sides, this match promises to be an entertaining affair. Don’t miss it!

Real Salt Lake vs Sporting Kansas City Prediction & Betting tip

Real Salt Lake vs Sporting Kansas City Prediction
Betting tip	Odds
Both Teams to Score (Yes)	1.80

Best Bet Recommendation: Both Teams to Score (Yes)

Reasoning:

1. High Scoring Tendencies: Sporting Kansas City has seen both teams score in 72% of their matches, while Real Salt Lake has a 48% rate. This trend indicates a strong likelihood of both teams finding the net.
2. Head-to-Head History: In 4 of their last 5 encounters, both teams have scored, highlighting a consistent pattern in their matchups.
3. Defensive Vulnerabilities: Sporting Kansas City concedes an average of 2.03 goals per match, and Real Salt Lake concedes 1.33, suggesting both defenses are prone to allowing goals.

Given these statistics, the "Both Teams to Score (Yes)" market is the most supported bet for this matchup.

Real Salt Lake vs Sporting Kansas City Odds

When it comes to betting on this MLS fixture, Real Salt Lake holds the edge according to the bookmakers. Despite their struggles this season, they are still favoured to secure a home win over Sporting Kansas City.

Real Salt Lake vs Sporting Kansas City Betting Odds
Real Salt Lake	1.62
Draw	4.28
Sporting Kansas City	4.51

These odds reflect Real Salt Lake’s slightly better standing in the league and their previous head-to-head success. However, with Sporting Kansas City displaying a knack for scoring even in defeat, the odds for a draw or an away win cannot be completely dismissed.

Notably, the "Both Teams to Score (Yes)" market at 1.80 offers great value, considering the attacking strength and defensive vulnerabilities of both teams.

Real Salt Lake Team Analysis

Real Salt Lake Recent Performance

Recent form for Real Salt Lake hasn’t been ideal, showcasing a worrying trend of inconsistency. They’ve managed just one win in their last five matches across all competitions:

• Real Salt Lake 1-3 Minnesota United – 2025-08-24
• Charlotte FC 1-0 Real Salt Lake – 2025-08-16
• New York Red Bulls 2-1 Real Salt Lake – 2025-08-10
• Real Salt Lake 1-0 Queretaro FC – 2025-08-07 (Leagues Cup)
• Real Salt Lake 2-2 Atletico de San Luis (1-4 Penalties) – 2025-08-03 (Leagues Cup)

This patchy performance includes only one clean sheet and an average of 1.20 goals scored per match. Coach Pablo Mastroeni will be keen to tighten up their defense, which has conceded an average of 1.4 goals per game, and find a more consistent scoring touch as they prepare for Sporting Kansas City’s visit.

Real Salt Lake Key Players

Real Salt Lake’s charge is led by their top scorer, Diego Luna, who has bagged eight goals this season. His scoring prowess will be essential if they are to improve on their recent form.

In the midfield, Johnny Russell and Diogo Gonçalves are expected to provide the creativity and driving force. Russell, in particular, is known for his ability to swing accurate crosses and take on defenders.

Defensively, the team leans on the experience of DeAndre Yedlin and the solidity of Justen Glad. This pair will have a crucial role in countering Sporting Kansas City’s striking threats.

Here’s the expected lineup for Real Salt Lake:

• Goalkeeper: Rafael Cabral
• Defenders: DeAndre Yedlin, Justen Glad, Brayan Vera, Sam Junqua
• Midfielders: Johnny Russell, Emeka Eneli, Noel Caliskan, Diogo Gonçalves
• Attackers: Rwan Cruz, Victor Olatunji

The battle between Luna and Kansas City’s defense, especially with Robert Voloder at the heart, will be significant in deciding the match’s outcome.

Real Salt Lake Suspensions & Injuries

Injury woes continue to plague Real Salt Lake as they prepare for their matchup against Sporting Kansas City. Key absentees include:

• Matthew Bell is sidelined with a hamstring injury, targeting a mid-September return.
• Javain Brown is out with a knee injury and expected back by late September.
• Zac MacMath is recovering from a shoulder injury, with a potential return by mid-September.
• Mason Stajduhar is dealing with a hand injury, also aiming for a mid-September return.

These injuries are set to test Real Salt Lake’s squad depth, particularly in defense and goalkeeping positions, and could impact their overall performance in this crucial home fixture.

Real Salt Lake Tactics and Formation

Real Salt Lake’s Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-4-2
• Key Forward: Diego Luna
• Midfield Duo: Emeka Eneli, Noel Caliskan
• Defensive Core: Justen Glad and Brayan Vera
• Attack Strategy: Emphasis on wing play, with Johnny Russell and Diogo Gonçalves providing width and crosses.

Pablo Mastroeni’s side typically operates in a 4-4-2 formation, aiming to balance both defensive solidity and attacking width. The key forward Diego Luna, who has netted eight goals, is crucial to their offensive play. In the midfield, Emeka Eneli and Noel Caliskan work to control the tempo and distribute the ball effectively.

Defensively, Real Salt Lake relies on Justen Glad and Brayan Vera to form a sturdy backline. Expect them to focus on keeping it tight at the back, given their recent defensive lapses.

This structure aims to utilize the flanks, particularly through Johnny Russell’s crossing ability and Diogo Gonçalves’ pace.

Sporting Kansas City Team Analysis

Sporting Kansas City Recent Performance

Sporting Kansas City’s recent form is a mixed bag of highs and lows, reflected in their last five matches:

• Sporting Kansas City 1-2 Austin FC – 2025-09-07
• Sporting Kansas City 4-2 Colorado Rapids – 2025-08-31
• Seattle Sounders FC 5-2 Sporting Kansas City – 2025-08-25
• Orlando City 3-1 Sporting Kansas City – 2025-08-17
• Sporting Kansas City 0-2 San Diego FC – 2025-08-10

Their performance indicates an attacking prowess, scoring an average of 1.60 goals per match. However, they struggled defensively, managing zero clean sheets during this period. This defensive vulnerability has been a significant factor in their losses.

Despite their inconsistency, they have shown the capability to score against tough opponents, making them a constant threat going forward. Kerry Zavagnin will hope his team can sharpen up at the back while maintaining their offensive firepower.

Sporting Kansas City Key Players

Sporting Kansas City will be banking on their top scorer, Dejan Joveljic, who has an impressive 17 goals this season. His knack for finding the back of the net can be a game-changer, especially if the team can provide him with sufficient support from the midfield.

In the middle of the park, Jacob Davis and Santiago Munoz are expected to play pivotal roles in both defensive and offensive transitions. Their ability to link up play and create scoring opportunities will be crucial.

Defensively, the team relies on Robert Voloder, but he’ll need to be at his best to keep the Real Salt Lake forwards at bay.

Expected lineup for Sporting Kansas City:

• Goalkeeper: John Pulskamp
• Defenders: Khiry Shelton, Robert Voloder, Ian James, Tim Leibold
• Midfielders: Zorhan Bassong, Jake Davis, Santiago Munoz
• Attackers: Magomed-Shapi Suleymanov, Dejan Joveljic, Daniel Salloi

Look for the battle between Dejan Joveljic and Real Salt Lake’s centre-backs to have a significant impact on the game’s outcome.

Sporting Kansas City Suspensions & Injuries

Sporting Kansas City faces less of an injury crisis compared to their opponents, but they do have a notable absentee:

• Manu García is dealing with a hip injury and is expected to return late in September.

The absence of García could impact the midfield depth and the overall balance of the team. With no suspensions hindering them, the squad will mostly be at full strength, allowing Coach Kerry Zavagnin to deploy his strongest lineup. Nonetheless, the team will need to ensure that their defensive structure remains solid in García’s absence to handle Real Salt Lake’s attacking threats.

Sporting Kansas City Tactics and Formation

Sporting Kansas City Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Dejan Joveljic
• Midfield Trio: Zorhan Bassong, Jake Davis, Santiago Munoz
• Defensive Core: Robert Voloder and Ian James
• Attack Strategy: High pressing and quick transitions from midfield to attack.

Kerry Zavagnin’s preferred setup is the 4-3-3 formation, which aims to leverage the attacking talents of Dejan Joveljic, who has netted 17 goals this season. The midfield is expected to be dynamic with Zorhan Bassong, Jake Davis, and Santiago Munoz orchestrating play and driving forward.

Defensively, Robert Voloder and Ian James will spearhead efforts to maintain stability at the back. Sporting Kansas City tends to rely on high pressing, aiming to win the ball quickly and transition into attacks, primarily focusing on exploiting spaces and making use of quick forwards.

However, their recent defensive lapses and an average of over two goals conceded per match highlight an area that needs improvement if they are to capture crucial away points.

Real Salt Lake vs Sporting Kansas City Head-to-Head Statistics

In their last five meetings, Real Salt Lake and Sporting Kansas City have shared some thrilling encounters:

• 2025-06-29: Sporting Kansas City 1-1 Real Salt Lake
• 2024-06-20: Sporting Kansas City 3-4 Real Salt Lake
• 2024-05-05: Real Salt Lake 1-0 Sporting Kansas City
• 2023-10-08: Real Salt Lake 2-3 Sporting Kansas City
• 2023-07-13: Sporting Kansas City 2-2 Real Salt Lake

These matches highlight a competitive rivalry, with both teams consistently finding the net. In fact, both teams have scored in 4 of these 5 encounters, showing that games between these sides are rarely dull.

Real Salt Lake comes into this game with a slight psychological edge, having won two of these fixtures. However, Sporting Kansas City has also proven their mettle, making this matchup especially exciting.

Odds accurate as of 12.09.2025 02:34, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.