What we’re watching in Real Salt Lake vs. FC Dallas

Real Salt Lake are back home and host FC Dallas. RSL are on 21 points from 18 games and Dallas have 24 points from 17 games. With precious few games left, RSL must win these home games if they want to keep any playoff hopes alive.

A win and some rest

Real Salt Lake have two key factors working in their favor for this game, and both have happened in the past. The first is they beat Portland. They desperately needed that win and it should inspire confidence to take on a beatable Dallas team. The second is they’re on a week and a half of rest. That’s unheard of in this jam-packed fall schedule. Those factors may be the tipping point for RSL.

Ruiz and the middle

Pablo Ruiz has been a bright spot in a fairly dark season for RSL. His time in Austria was exactly what he needed to regain confidence and he’s returned to Major League Soccer completely renewed. Watch how effective he is in the midfield, with smart positioning, accurate passing, and hard work on both sides of the ball.

Dami and the attack

Damir Kreilach is a forward for RSL. That’s far from ideal, but it is what it is. He won’t start at center forward, but he will make meaningful contributions there, as he does for a majority of Real’s goals. Look to see where Freddy Juarez plays him and how much of his time is spent in the attack.

Injury report

Not medically cleared to play:

Giuseppe Rossi

Chris Garcia

Predicted lineup