Real Salt Lake vs NYCFC: Preview and How To Watch

In a midweek-match heavy Week 12, NYCFC goes cross conference to face a struggling Real Salt Lake at Rio Tinto Stadium.

It’s a tale of two cities. Real Salt Lake stumbles back to Salt Lake City in an effort to quickly overcome the 4-0 thrashing they took visiting New England a few days before, while New York City FC comes to town after stringing together three of their best performance of the season.

Both teams will look to earn a result, as the visit is only the third in their history. Their ties run much deeper, as it was not long ago that NYCFC took Jason Kreis away from the Salt Lake Valley, who then raided the MLS Cup Runner’s Up roster for his first season and only season in the Bronx. RSL was never the same, and NYCFC quickly moved on to Patrick Viera.

Here is what we will be watching in this East vs West midweek match.

NYCFC

Current Record: 5-3-2

Last Time Out: 1-1 draw against FC Dallas

Player to Watch: Andrea Pirlo. Easy right? Things haven’t been easy for Pirlo recently, however. The Italian legend seems to be on his way out, not having started for NYCFC since the club’s loss to Orlando City almost a month ago. Youngster Angel Herrera seems to have taken over Pirlo’s spot, and Pirlo was sent to SLC early, missing the FC Dallas match altogether. As the end draws near, Pirlo may need this match to prove he still has something left in the tank, because it seems he may not get many more chances otherwise.

Why They Win: NYCFC seem to have figured everything out and are starting to hit their stride, going 3-1-1 over their last five. The New York side even took care of business against conference rivals Columbus Crew without the services of David Villa. The attack is humming, and it could have itself another strong performance against a struggling RSL.

Why They Won’t: Real Salt Lake opted to get healthy and plan for their return home against New England. The shell of a team RSL put out gave up four goals in the first half, but more importantly left the match without another major injury. The first-choice RSL starting XI will now take the field at home, already trying to save their season. With NYCFC traveling cross-country midweek before visiting Orlando City in an important match on Sunday, they may opt to rest the heavy hitters for this one.

Predicted XI:

Real Salt Lake

Current Record: 2-7-2

Last Time Out: 4-0 loss at New England

Player to Watch: Jefferson Savarino. The new young designated player came on as a late substitute against the Revs. While the result was far last at that point, Savarino showed several flashes of brilliance as soon as he stepped onto the field. He will have a chance to stand out again, this time alongside fellow newcomer Albert Rusnák. Watching these two work together could give RSL fans something to be excited about for the next few years.

Why They Win: One major change came with Real’s quick road trip, the return of the diamond. RSL’s famed “death by possession” diamond days are not too far behind them. While the faces were different in New England, the attack was noticeably more fluid and efficient. Having the starters fit into the diamond could provide the necessary change RSL has been lacking (other than health, that is). With NYCFC likely sending out the reserves, the Claret and Cobalt could use this one as to build some momentum moving forward.

Why They Won’t: Injuries, coaching change, transitions, you name it, RSL is dealing with it. With MLS play already over a quarter of the way played, the club may already be thinking for the future. Both head coach Mike Petke and GM Craig Waibel hinted at major changes coming as early as this summer on the #OnFrame podcast Monday.

Predicted Starting XI: 

Next: MLS Fantasy Week 12 Preview

Prediction and How To Watch:

When: April 17, 2017. 9:00 pm EST

Where: Rio Tinto Stadium, Sandy, Utah

Watch: MLS Live, KMYU