Behind enemy lines: Scouting Vancouver Whitecaps

Real Salt Lake will enjoy a second consecutive Saturday night home game hosting the Vancouver Whitecaps. Facing the Whitecaps has been a weak point for RSL of late having lost the last four match-ups between the two sides. Real will look to capitalize on their rich vein of form to take down their Western Conference foe, whom just recently lost 4-0 against D.C. United.

Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Goalkeeper

In goal for the British Columbia based side will be David Ousted. The 31 year old Dane has proven to be one of the top goalkeepers in Major League Soccer after proving his worth signing with the Whitecaps in 2013. Just a year ago Ousted was tasked with being the starting goalkeeper for MLS All-Stars against Tottenham Hotspur. Chances will need to be capitalized for RSL, because a re-run of last week's goal against Colorado is unlikely with Ousted tending the goal.

Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports

Defense

The heart and soul in the center of the Whitecap defense is Kendall Waston. Standing at 6'5 the Claret and Cobalt will face another difficult aerial test in the Vancouver back line. Waston will be partnered in the middle by United States youth team member Tim Parker. An interesting name to look out for will be Fraser Aird, likely starting at right back. The Canadian national team member is on loan from Glasgow Rangers and will be looking to impress while he's back on home soil. Jordan Harvey will round out the back four of Vancouver.

Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports

Midfield

Vancouver will sorely be missing their own respective midfield maestro in Pedro Morales. He is likely to miss out through injury and has been responsible for the four goals scored by the Whitecaps since the 2nd week of the season. Additionally, Costa Rican national team member Christian Bolaños is a question mark to make the trip. A positive boost for the Whitecaps will be the return of midfield enforcer Matias Laba after serving a red card suspension last week. Another piece of good news for Whitecaps fans is the probable return of Kekuta Manneh. Between Manneh and Cristian Techera on the opposite flank, Vancouver has speed in abundance. RSL fullbacks will need to be careful going forward to avoid any speedy counter attacks. Russell Teibert will likely join Laba in the middle of the park.

Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports

Forwards

Vancouver will look display a forward duo of Blas Perez and Masato Kudo if main man Octavio Rivero isn't able to make the trip. Blas Perez is a seasoned veteran who made over 100 appearances during his stint with FC Dallas. Perez is known to do the dirty work and hold up the ball, as well as get under the opposing defense's skin. Kudo will look to seize any open opportunities for his first MLS goal while Perez garners attention in the middle.

Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports