MLS: Real Salt Lake vs. San Jose Picks — Earthquakes to Bounce Back to Form on the Road? (Jul 26)

The San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake are in direct competition for a playoff spot in the Western Conference, but both will need to bounce back to form after recent setbacks.

Real Salt Lake suffered a defeat at home last weekend against FC Cincinnati, but they had previously recorded back-to-back victories against the Portland Timbers and Houston Dynamo.

The Earthquakes won’t be involved in this year’s Leagues Cup, meaning that Saturday’s fixture is their last before the middle of August. However, they come into this round after going six without a win across all competitions.

Real Salt Lake vs. San Jose Overview

Odds

Real Salt Lake vs. San Jose Head-to-Head Record

The San Jose Earthquakes recorded a 4-1 home success in the reverse fixture between the sides this season. They were also 2-1 winners in this exact fixture back in August 2024. Real Salt Lake’s last home victory against their opponents was registered back in April 2023. 

Real Salt Lake Team News

The hosts this weekend will have three players missing from selection. Defender Javain Brown is out due to a knee injury, while Zac MacMath and Matthew Bell are also unavailable.

Possible Lineup

R. Cabral (GK); N. Caliskan, J. Glad, B. Vera, A. Katranis, B. Ojeda, P. Ruiz, Z. Gozo, A. Piol, D. Goncalves, D. Luna

San Jose Team News

The out-of-form visitors will only be without one regular first-team player this weekend. Noel Buck remains absent due to a lower leg injury.

Possible Lineup

Daniel (GK); Rodrigues, R. Roberts, B. Wilson, V. Costa, N. Tsakiris, I. Harkes, B. Leroux, C. Espinoza, J. Martinez, C. Arango

Real Salt Lake vs. San Jose Picks

Both teams will have a point to prove this weekend, but a chance could be taken on Real Salt Lake. They have impressed in home matches throughout the campaign, winning 45% of their fixtures.

Meanwhile, it could be important to note that they have kept clean sheets in 45% of their fixtures at America First Field.