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Real Salt Lake vs Austin FC preview: How to watch, team news, predicted lineups, kickoff time and ones to watch

Austin look go top of the West when they visit Real Salt Lake for just the second time ever.

Real Salt Lake vs Austin FC preview: How to watch, team news, predicted lineups, kickoff time and ones to watch
Photo: Chris Gardner/Getty Images
john-lupo
By John Lupo

Austin FC are back on the road as the Verde and Black take on Real Salt Lake at Rio Tinto Stadium.

Austin saw their six-match unbeaten run come to an end with a 1-0 defeat to the Los Angeles Galaxy last time out as they sit in second place in the Western Conference standings.

Real Salt Lake are unbeaten at home this season and will look to rebound after a 2-0 defeat at Nashville last weekend.

Team news

Real Salt Lake

Zack Farnsworth remains out indefinitely with an ankle issue. Bret Halsey has a right ankle injury while Johan Kappelhof (left calf), Erik Holt and Jonathan Menendez are also sidelined.

Playmaker Damir Kreilach (back) and forward Sergio Cordova (right knee contusion) are doubtful.

Austin FC

Starting goalkeeper Brad Stuver was injured in last week's victory over Houston, lacerating his right knee. Andrew Tarbell is expected to get the start in his place.

Freddy Kleemann joins Stuver on the sidelines as the defender wil lmiss out through a let knee injury.

Predicted lineups

Real Salt Lake: MacMath; Brody, Silva, Glad, Herrera; Meram, Ruiz, Luiz, Chang; Wood, Rubín

Austin FC: Tarbell; Gallagher, Gabrielsen, Cascante, Lima; Pereira, Ring; Fagúndez, Driussi, Finlay; Urruti

Ones to watch

Bobby Wood (Real Salt Lake)

He has two goals, which is tied for the team lead, showing just how poor the RSL attack has been. With Kreilach uncertain for this match, the American will be counted on to make his presence felt.

Sebastian Driussi (Austin FC)

He's been the best player in MLS this season, tied for the league lead with seven goals and adding three assists. Running the show from the midfield, his playmaking and finishing are just two of his many attributes.

Previous meetings

Thanks to a goal in each half from Cecilio Dominguez, Austin edged Real Salt Lake when the two teams met last October.

The Verde and Black got on the board first in the 17th minute as Druissi fired a shot that David Ochoa saved, but Dominguez was on hand to put home the rebound.

It was two when Diego Fagundez found a streaking Dominguez with a pass across the box, the Paraguyan slotting home to make it 2-0.

Kreilach ensured a nervy finish when he took a pass from Rubio Rubin and fired past Stuver.

How to watch

The match will be streamed nationally on ESPN+. In Salt Lake City, KMYU has coverage while in Austin, The CW Austin will have all of the action.

Kickoff is set for 9:30pm Eastern time.