Real Salt Lake
After a bumpy start to their season, Real Salt Lake has turned things around as of late. With two straight wins, Real has put themselves back into striking position of the playoff spots in the Western Conference. The last time out, Real Salt Lake played arguably their best game of the season, beating an experienced Toronto FC side 3-0. The wide players for Real Salt Lake caused massive damage in the match, with wngers Sebastian Saucedo and Jefferson Savarino each scored a goal apiece. The youngsters bossed their respective wings, as they were successfully taking on defenders in the wide areas and getting crosses in with great effectiveness. This pair will be essential again if Real Salt Lake want to keep up with the aggressive playing style that will likely be used by Atlanta United on Friday.
Real Salt Lake has began to hit some good form. Winners of their last two matches, Real Salt Lake has a solid 4-0-2 record in their last six matches. Friday’s match at home against Atlanta represents only the sixth home game of the season for Real Salt Lake, who have went 3-0-2 in five home matches so far this season.
Real Salt Lake MLS Form
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Atlanta United
The five match winning streak may have ended in their last match, but this Atlanta United side is still one of the hottest teams in the MLS. Led by their defense this season, Atlanta is sitting in fourth place in the Eastern Conference, with a win on Friday putting them just one point back from first place. This Atlanta side has shown a different approach than last years overpowering, outscoring style. This time around, the backline is the focal point. Atlanta United has conceded just nine goals in the first 12 matches of the season, the best defensive record of any team in the MLS. The defensive masterclass has been needed, as Atlanta has managed to score just 13 goals so far this season, much less explosive than the Atlanta United squad of last season. Regardless of their goal record, this Atlanta side is filled with potent attacking players that have the potential to produce against any opponent in any game of the MLS season. Friday nights fixture against Real Salt Lake offers another opportunity for Atlanta to get the goals flowing as they will look to return to winning ways.
Atlanta United is in impressive form heading into their matchup against Real Salt Lake. Atlanta has won five of their last six matches, posting a 5-0-1 record over that span of games. Their form has not dipped away from home this season either. In six games away from home, Atlanta United has picked up nine points, going 3-0-3 on the road so far this season.
Atlanta United MLS Form
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The Odds
Here are how the odds to win the match look from the bookies ahead of the game.
Real Salt Lake to win @ 2.93 (19/10) with Red Zone.
Atlanta United to win @ 2.45 (29/20) with Unibet.
Draw @ 3.65 (53/20) with Unibet.
Odds taken at 13:00 GMT 22/05/2019
Key Points
- Atlanta United is undefeated all-time against Real Salt Lake (2-0-0)
- There have been over 2.5 goals scored in six straight matches involving Real Salt Lake
- Atlanta United has scored first in five of their last six matches
Our Verdict and Best Bets
Real Salt Lake host Atlanta United in a intriguing Friday night matchup in the MLS. Real Salt Lake is coming off of two straight wins, but we have yet to see the best version of this Atlanta United side, making this matchup a tough one to call. One thing that seems to be a guarantee is that there will be goals in this match. Real Salt Lake is coming off of a strong three goal performance at home, while Atlanta United will be in attack mode all night with their strong strike force. With a three goal over/under line, the over bet is a solid play for Friday night’s match.
