Preview: Real Salt Lake vs. Portland Timbers - prediction, team news, lineups

On what is the final day of the regular season, both sides are battling for the playoffs, but only one can finish in the all-important top seven.

Match preview

Real Salt Lake will need to win for the first time in six games if they are to reach the playoffs, following a winless run that stretches back to the start of September.

The game is given an extra edge by the fact that only one side can secure a playoff berth, with a draw sufficing for Portland Timbers, but only a win good enough for Salt Lake, who may finish as high as sixth if Minnesota United fail to win against Vancouver Whitecaps.

Last time out, Pablo Mastroeni's side improved slightly in a 1-1 draw away at Los Angeles Galaxy, but also rode their luck at times, with Riqui Puig missing a first-half penalty for Galaxy, which would have put them in the ascendency.

Sergio Cordova scored the opener for Salt Lake eight minutes later, before Douglas Costa converted a penalty for Galaxy, ensuring the spoils were shared.

Goals have been few and far between in recent times for the home side, only scoring twice in their last five matches, and they now have the joint-worst defence in the Western Conference, a statistic that does not bode well heading into a must-win game.

In one way, Portland Timbers manager Giovanni Savarese will be frustrated his side are even in this position, having only needed a point against Los Angeles FC in their last match to confirm their place in the playoffs.

Instead, The Timbers lost 2-1 in heartbreaking fashion, with Denis Bouanga scoring in the last minute of injury time, putting them in the unwanted position of needing a result on the final day.

However, it is only recent form that has even put The Timbers in contention for the playoffs, notching an impressive four consecutive wins to rise up to sixth in the table, giving themselves a chance of competing for the MLS Cup.

Late goals are part and parcel of the game, and worked to Portland's advantage in their last away match, when Santiago Moreno scored a last-gasp equaliser of his own, securing a point for his side at Columbus Crew.

Savarese's side could finish as high as fourth depending on the result in the match between Los Angeles Galaxy and Nashville SC, but also face the prospect of tumbling down to eighth if they lose.

Real Salt Lake Major League Soccer form:

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Real Salt Lake form (all competitions):

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Portland Timbers Major League Soccer form:

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Team News

Real Salt Lake implemented a 3-5-2 system in their last match, and with them gaining a decent point on the road at LA Galaxy, they may well play in this style again.

Cordova is likely to keep his place in attack, with the Venezuelan notching nine league goals so far this season, the most of any Salt Lake player, and he is likely to be partnered by his fellow countryman Jefferson Savarino, who has scored six league goals in his first year at the club.

Elsewhere, 33-year-old Marcelo Silva is expected to start on the left of a back three, most likely to be accompanied in defence by Aaron Herrera and Justen Glad.

For Portland Timbers, Dairon Asprilla will almost certainly be the preferred choice to lead the line, having started the last six league games, scoring four.

Jaroslaw Niezgoda made his first start in seven matches last time out, operating on the left wing, and he will potentially be starting in the same role again, with Cristhian Paredes on the opposite side.

Bill Tuiloma has been a consistent performer for The Timbers this season, featuring in 29 matches, and it is looking like the 27-year-old will be favoured again at centre back.

Real Salt Lake possible starting lineup:

MacMath; Silva, Herrera, Glad; Brody, Ojeda, Loffelsend, Caldwell, Oviedo; Cordova, Savarino

Portland Timbers possible starting lineup:

Ivacic; Mabiala, Zuparic, Tuiloma; Mosquera, Chara, Moreno, Bravo; Paredes, Niezgoda, Asprilla

We say: Real Salt Lake 1-1 Portland Timbers

Real Salt Lake have struggled in recent matches, and so we do not think they will be able to turn this form around in the last game of the season.

Portland Timbers are in decent form, and should be good enough to get the vital point needed to secure a place in the playoffs, in what will be a cagey affair.

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