Match Preview: RSL's forward line hit by injuries ahead of Vancouver's visit

Real Salt Lake heads into a match this season once again hit by injury concerns, with Alvaro Saborio out and several others questionable for the match.

Potentially out include Robbie Findley and Olmes Garcia up top, as well as midfielder Cole Grossman, through concussion, defender Rich Balchan, through shoulder separation, and Chris Wingert, through a quad strain.

Wingert's injury comes after finally recovering from a broken foot sustained during the offseason; his continued absence will be a point of frustration with both Lovel Palmer and Abdoulie Mansally showing inconsistent form at left back. Palmer started the last match and had a torrid time of things, but his match preceding that one - a 1-0 win over Chivas USA - saw him have a considerably more effective evening.

With Saborio out and Findley and Garcia doubtful, Devon Sandoval and Joao Plata could be set for a start together - their first, although they played 76 minutes together against Seattle after Robbie Findley was taken off with injury just after scoring. Plata and Sandoval have built a good understanding playing together in the reserves, with the two combining rather naturally. Neither has scored the first Real Salt Lake goal.

For all the issues up top for RSL, the midfield has emerged relatively unscathed, and an ostensibly first-choice lineup is likely. The sole question remaining: Does Luis Gil start from the outset, or has Sebastian Velasquez done enough to find a start ahead of a busy period for the club? Kyle Beckerman, Javier Morales and Ned Grabavoy are essentially locks to start, barring any late injuries.

The defense is likely to remain the same for a fourth consecutive week, although there is a chance Chris Wingert or Abdoulie Mansally could start ahead of Lovel Palmer.

The biggest questions may revolve around who is available on the bench; Olmes Garcia scored a screamer against the Whitecaps just three weeks ago after coming off the bench.