Preview: Real Salt Lake vs. DC United - prediction, team news, lineups

The visitors, meanwhile, are currently bottom of the Eastern Conference, but they will be aiming to finish the season with a positive run of results.

Match preview

Real Salt Lake are currently in sixth place ahead of the weekend's round of fixtures, sitting three points clear of LA Galaxy in eighth position.

However, with five matches still to play and the Galaxy having a game in hand, their place in the playoffs is not yet secured.

Pablo Mastroeni's side will face LA Galaxy and seventh-place Portland Timbers in their final five games, but first, they must focus on a home meeting with DC United.

After a 2-0 defeat to Los Angeles FC last weekend brought an end to a four-match unbeaten run, Real Salt Lake will look to bounce back on Saturday.

The hosts have the chance to clinch consecutive home victories after thrashing Minnesota United 3-0 in their most recent home encounter.

While their opponents are looking to secure a playoff spot, DC United are already out of the running for a place in the post-season.

Saturday's visitors sit bottom of the Eastern Conference after collecting only 26 points from their 29 MLS games this term.

Even the appointment of Wayne Rooney as manager in July failed to instigate an upturn in fortunes, with the former Derby County boss overseeing two wins in his nine games in charge.

Although Rooney will already be looking to prepare for his first full season in charge next year, he will be pleased that his side have taken four points from their last two matches.

After beating New York City 2-1 in their previous away game, DC United will attempt to clinch back-to-back away wins on Saturday.

Real Salt Lake Major League Soccer form:

DC United Major League Soccer form:

Team News

The hosts are expected to be without the services of Bobby Wood, Damir Kreilach and Zack Farnsworth, who are sidelined with injury issues.

After dropping out of the side for the 2-0 defeat to Los Angeles FC, Justin Meram could return to the starting lineup.

Meanwhile, Sergio Cordova will look to add to the eight goals he has scored this season when he partners Rubio Rubin in the forward line.

As for the visitors, they are unable to call upon the injured quartet of Adrien Perez, Brad Smith, Brendan Hines-Ike, Taxi Fountas.

Christian Benteke missed a penalty on his first start for DC United last weekend, but he is set to retain his place in the side, with Rooney expected to keep changes to a minimum.

Although, the DC United could be tempted to bring Ola Kamara into the starting lineup, with the forward looking to add to his nine-goal tally for the MLS season.

Real Salt Lake possible starting lineup:

MacMath; Herrera, Silva, Kappelhof, Brody; Savarino, Ruiz, Caldwell, Meram; Cordova, Rubin

DC United possible starting lineup:

Ochoa; Odoi-Atsem, Pines, Birnbaum, Najar; Durkin, Canouse, Palsson, Rodriguez; Benteke, Kamara

We say: Real Salt Lake 2-1 DC United

Previews by email