Sports Mole previews Saturday's Major League Soccer clash between Real Salt Lake and San Jose Earthquakes, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Real Salt Lake and San Jose Earthquakes meet in the MLS on Friday evening with the opportunity to move into first place in the Western Conference.

While the two teams are level on six points, the visitors have played a game more than their unbeaten opponents.

Match preview

Real Salt Lake head coach Freddy Juarez, directs his team during the first half against the New York Red Bulls at Rio Tinto Stadium pictured in March 2020 © Reuters

Having finished in 21st position in the MLS last season, few people were expecting much from Real Salt Lake during the early stages of the new campaign.

However, successive victories over Minnesota United and Sporting Kansas City have given Freddy Juarez and his side something to build on over the coming weeks.

The Claret and Cobalt came from behind to win their most recent fixture by a 3-1 scoreline, with two goals coming from Rubio Rubin.

Also chipping in with two assists in just 157 minutes of action, the 25-year-old's impact during the opening games has arguably only been bettered by Javier Hernandez at Los Angeles Galaxy.

While Salt Lake can move to the top of the standings with a game in hand, the Earthquakes will be equally confident of derailing the perfect start of their opponents.

Having succumbed to Houston Dynamo in their opening fixture, San Jose have since powered past Dallas and DC United by 3-1 and 4-1 scorelines respectively.

At a time when Salt Lake will be delighted with Rubin's performances, the Earthquakes will feel the same regarding the progression of teenager Cade Cowell.

The 17-year-old has contributed two goals and three assists, living up to his billing as the top prospect in the United States.

Matias Almeyda now has the difficult task of keeping expectation levels down to a minimum as his developing side attempt to become a permanent fixture at the right end of the table.

Real Salt Lake Major League Soccer form:

San Jose Earthquakes Major League Soccer form:

Team News

San Jose Earthquakes head coach Matias Almeyda during the second half against the Toronto FC at Earthquakes Stadium in February 2020 © Reuters

Barring any late fitness issues, Almeyda is unlikely to make any alterations to the Earthquakes' starting lineup.

Chris Wondolowski is expected to feature among the replacements after serving his ban for a red card versus Dallas.

Andrew Brody is in line to start at right-back for Salt Lake after Aaron Herrera was withdrawn during the first half against Sporting KC.

Justin Meram is also an alternative on the flank as Anderson Julio is struggling with a hamstring injury.

Real Salt Lake possible starting lineup:
Ochoa; Brody, Glad, Silva, Toia; Besler, Ruiz; Rusnak, Kreilach, Meram; Rubin

San Jose Earthquakes possible starting lineup:
Marcinkowski; Thompson, Jungwirth, Beason, Marie; Remedi, Yueill; Espinoza, Lopez, Fierro; Cowell

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We say: Real Salt Lake 2-2 San Jose Earthquakes

Both teams have scored goals for fun during the early stages of the campaign and we feel that will continue on Friday evening.

While we make Salt Lake the marginal favourites, they may struggle to see out the game against opponents who have netted seven times in 180 minutes.

Top tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting a double chance bet on a home win or draw in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.

Data Analysis

Our analysis of all available data, including recent performances and player stats up until an hour before kickoff, suggested the most likely outcome of this match was a Real Salt Lake win with a probability of 47.14%. A win for San Jose Earthquakes had a probability of 29.14% and a draw had a probability of 23.7%.

The most likely scoreline for a Real Salt Lake win was 2-1 with a probability of 9.38%. The next most likely scorelines for that outcome were 1-0 (8.47%) and 2-0 (7.23%). The likeliest San Jose Earthquakes win was 1-2 (7.11%), while for a drawn scoreline it was 1-1 (10.97%). The actual scoreline of 1-2 was predicted with a 7.1% likelihood.