Austin FC

vs

Real Salt Lake

Predictions & Betting Tips

Tight game expected in Austin

Two Western Conference sides looking to end poor runs of form and find momentum meet in this Thursday’s MLS six-pointer with playoff spots at stake. For those considering the Austin FC vs Real Salt Lake prediction, Austin FC sit 20th in MLS 2025 with 19 points from 15 matches, while Real Salt Lake are 23rd with 14 points from the same amount of games. Nico Estevez has had a strange impact on Austin FC since taking the helm in October 2024. The Spanish coach has brought a pragmatic approach to the club, who now play a disciplined, compact style that has made them hard to beat and has seen them keep things very tight at the back. Austin have been solid on their home turf this term, posting a 3-3-2 record at Q2 Stadium. When looking at the Austin FC vs Real Salt Lake preview, they have been involved in some close games recently, winning one, drawing three and losing one of their past five, but they did come away with a decent 3-1 victory at home to Houston Dynamo.

Austin’s defence can frustrate RSL

Real Salt Lake have made some good strides under Pablo Mastroeni, who has been at the helm since August 2021. The club have made some tactical changes and have flexibility in the way they approach games, but they come into this one off the back of consecutive defeats, the most recent of which was a 2-3 home loss to Vancouver Whitecaps just two days ago. The visitors will be looking to Diego Luna, who has eight goals in 14 league appearances this season, for a spark in the attack, with three of those coming in his last five games. Owen Wolff has been Austin FC’s creative spark with three assists in 15 MLS appearances and Brandon Vazquez has been the main goal threat with four in 14 games – four of the last eight that his team have scored. For bettors searching for Austin FC vs Real Salt Lake betting tips, Austin FC are heavy favorites here at a short 1.50 to win, which is perhaps a little surprising given they have failed to beat RSL in their last two attempts at this venue, although they are unbeaten in three at Q2. The most-recent meeting ended 2-2 and we’re expecting a similarly cagey and watchable affair on Thursday, so this Austin FC vs Real Salt Lake prediction points toward another tight game.

Veterans should show their strength

Momentum and the playoffs are on the line for these teams, so our Austin FC vs Real Salt Lake prediction is to take Austin FC, who have been much tougher to break down under Estevez, to just edge this one and take the win. Under 2.5 goals is slightly overpriced at 1.85 but, given Austin have conceded just six goals at this ground this term, it could be a long night for RSL and a low-scoring affair.