Desert Diamond Cup: Real Salt Lake v. Sporting Kansas City lineup predictor

Expectation

Despite being yet another preseason match, expect the coaching staff to treat this match as if it was a regular season match.  On Tuesday, head coach Jeff Cassar told the media, "We will try to handle these next two games like they're MLS games."  He will likely rely heavily on starting XI players as they round into regular season form.  That being said, do not be surprised to see fringe players eat up some of this match's minutes.  Therefore, expect Real Salt Lake to field a close to full strength squad and a whole bunch of substitutions.  In any case, we are going to give it a try and explain our reasoning.

Formation

Expect RSL to set up in an attacking 4-3-3 formation which is easily becoming Cassar's go to formation for 2015 - well, the preseason at least.

According to our fan prediction lineup poll from yesterday, 90% percent of fans agreed that RSL will field a 4-3-3 formation.  We would have to agree with the fans.

Predicted Line-Up

RSL Soapbox and Fan Vote (All over 75%): Rimando; Beltran, Olave, Schuler, Mansally; Morales, Beckerman, Gil; Jaime, Saborio, Garcia.

Goalkeeper - Nick Rimando

The veteran net minder will take his position in between the posts in order to prepare for the regular season.

Right Back - Tony Beltran

Providing a veteran presence on the back line, Beltran will start to stabilize the defense.

Center Back Pairing - Jamison Olave and Chris Schuler

Starting the premier center back pairing of Olave and Schuler will give them time to adjust to their partnership and prepare for the regular season.

Left Back - Abdoulie Mansally

Mansally is almost certain to start as Demar Phillips picked up an injury in the FC Tucson match.  Expect Mansally to do many of the same things as Phillips providing support both in the defensive and attacking thirds.

Holding Midfielder - Kyle Beckerman

Expect the skipper to provide solid defensive play for the backline and help orchestrate the formation/ movement of a squad.

Box-to-Box Midfielder - Luis Gil

Gil will likely regain his role as a starter for the Claret-and-Cobalt.   Expect Gil to put in some serious minutes before manying way for some fringe players for evaluation.

Attacking Midfielder - Javier Morales

The maestro will take up his usually spot in the driver's set of RSL.  Morales will make the difference for this match as the aging veteran enters the twilight of his career.

Right Winger - Sebastian Jaime

Jaime will look to continue his impressive run of form during this preseason.  Already netting one goal, watch Jaime as he pushes for yet another before the start of the season.

Center Forward - Alvaro Saborio

The veteran Costa Rican will look to start in order to remain in form after an excellent performance against FC Tucson - hopefully scoring a few more goals in preparation for the regular season.

Left Winger - Olmes Garcia

Expect the coaching staff to continue experimenting with the versatile youngster.  Garcia could likely get a start to continue his development as he works to begin the season as a starting XI player.