Preview & Prediction: Real Salt Lake vs Houston Dynamo

The match between Real Salt Lake and Houston Dynamo is set to be an exciting one. Based on recent performance, Real Salt Lake have accumulated an average of 1.4 points from their last 5 games, including home and away games, scoring 7 times in the process. Given this offensive potential, Houston Dynamo’s defense will undoubtedly be put to the test. In addition, Real Salt Lake’s record of scoring in their last 4 home games also works in their favor, but they’ve suffered 6 goal-less home matches this season. So far, 21 matches involving Real Salt Lake or 60% of all their matches this season have seen both teams score (BTTS).

On the other side, Houston Dynamo have shown formidable form, obtaining an average of 2.2 points per game from their last 5 games and scoring 11 goals. The fact they remain unbeaten in their last 2 away games further boosts their confidence. Interestingly, 4 out of their last 5 matches have ended with both teams scoring. It also seems probable that Houston Dynamo will score, given they’ve netted in their last four outings, scoring 11 in their recent 5 games.

In terms of head-to-head statistics, both teams have had a close contest in their 29 previous encounters. Real Salt Lake have won 11 while Houston Dynamo stole 9 victories. Nine matches ended in a draw. More importantly, previous matches between the two average 2.45 goals, with BTTS occurring 59% of the time.

Season statistics in the MLS show that Real Salt Lake average 2.11 points per home game while Houston Dynamo average 1.4 points for away games. This match could be a highly contested one with potential for goals. However, as the last meeting ended with Real Salt Lake defeating Houston Dynamo 2-0 on July 4, 2024, expect Real Salt Lake to assert their home-ground advantage.

Insights

• Real Salt Lake has shown a decent performance in their recent games with an average of 1.4 points per game from their last 5 matches.
• Real Salt Lake has demonstrated a strong scoring record, with a total of 7 goals in the last 5 fixtures.
• The home side, Real Salt Lake, has been successful in scoring in their last 4 home games, but has failed to score in 6 home matches this season.
• Both teams scored in 3 of the last 5 matches for Real Salt Lake; throughout the season, for 60% of their matches, both teams scored.
• Houston Dynamo has experienced an upswing with an average of 2.2 points per game from their last 5 matches.
• Houston Dynamo boasts a splendid scoring trend with a total of 11 goals in the last 5 fixtures.
• Houston Dynamo has maintained an undefeated streak in their last 2 away games and haven’t lost in their last 5 matches overall.
• Most of Houston Dynamo’s recent fixtures have been high-scoring, with 2 or more goals in their last 4 games.
• Houston Dynamo has kept an unbeaten record in the 5 games leading up to their match against Real Salt Lake.
• Both teams scored in 4 of the last 5 games for Houston Dynamo; 43% of their season’s matches saw both teams score.
• In the 29 previous meetings between these two teams, Real Salt Lake has won 11 times whereas Houston Dynamo has won 9.
• On average, matches between Real Salt Lake and Houston Dynamo typically yield 2.45 goals and 59% of the time, both teams score.
• In this MLS season, Real Salt Lake averages 2.11 Points Per Game at home matches, while Houston Dynamo averages 1.4 Points Per Game at away matches.

Match Forecast

• Given Real Salt Lake’s strong ability to steal the ball from the opposition, Houston Dynamo’s strategy of possession football and attacking through the middle may be interrupted frequently.
• Houston Dynamo’s strength in creating and finishing scoring chances coupled with Real Salt Lake’s weakness in defending against skillful players could result in a high-scoring game for Dynamo.
• If the match comes to set piece situations, both teams are likely to have scoring opportunities as both are strong in attacking set pieces while weak in defending them.
• As Real Salt Lake is prone to making individual errors and fouling in dangerous areas, Houston could get several opportunities to capitalize, particularly from set pieces.
• Given Real Salt Lake’s weakness in keeping possession of the ball and playing in their own half, expect Houston Dynamo to control the game in opposition’s half.
• Real Salt Lake’s tendency to take a lot of long shots could be exploited by Houston Dynamo, as they are adept at creating long shot opportunities themselves, turning the game into a high-paced, end-to-end affair.
• Both teams have a consistent first eleven indicating that there won’t be many surprising elements in terms of player lineup.
• Aggressiveness against both teams by opponents can lead to a high-intensity match with many fouls and potential card situations.

Match Facts

• A 0-0 result is the most prevalent outcome in past clashes between Real Salt Lake and Houston Dynamo, with this scoreline observed seven times.
• Of the past 21 fixtures hosted by Real Salt Lake, they have claimed victory in 10, drawn seven, and lost four, with the goal difference of 25-16 in their favor.
• In the 45 total encounters, Real Salt Lake has won 13 times, drew 15 games, and succumbed to Houston Dynamo’s 17 victories. Houston Dynamo has an advantageous goal difference of 62-56.
• Houston Dynamo boasts a win streak of three consecutive games.
• Houston Dynamo has avoided defeat in their last six games.
• Real Salt Lake hasn’t tasted victory against Houston Dynamo in their last three attempts.
• Real Salt Lake has managed to find the back of the net in their last 10 successive matches.
• Real Salt Lake leads the first half in 25% of their matches, and Houston Dynamo accomplishes this feat in 45%.
• Houston Dynamo emerged victorious in their last clash.
• Houston Dynamo outscored Real Salt Lake by one goal in their most recent match.
• When at home, Real Salt Lake tends to win 85% of matches if they lead by 1-0.
• When playing away and leading by 0-1, Houston Dynamo typically secure the win in 63% of their games.
• Real Salt Lake manages to turn things around and win only 20% of their home games when lagging by 0-1.
• Houston Dynamo has yet to win an away game after falling behind by 1-0.
• In the MLS, Houston Dynamo has exhibited better form than Real Salt Lake.
• In terms of performance in the last five matches, Houston Dynamo has outperformed Real Salt Lake.
• In their last five encounters with Real Salt Lake, Houston Dynamo have only suffered a single defeat.
• Over the course of their last five matchups, Houston Dynamo won three times, Real Salt Lake won once, and one game ended in a draw.
• In a typical match against Houston Dynamo, Real Salt Lake scores one goal, while Houston Dynamo scores 1.6 goals.
• The average number of goals in a game between Real Salt Lake and Houston Dynamo is 2.6.
• During the first half of games between Real Salt Lake and Houston Dynamo, an average of one goal is scored.
• On average, Real Salt Lake finds the net 1.64 times when playing on home soil, and Houston Dynamo scores one goal when playing away.