San Jose Earthquakes vs. Real Salt Lake Betting Preview – MLS, October 28, 2020

Just two points separate San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake as the two sides prepare to face off in California on Wednesday, October 28.

The Quakes find themselves ahead of the Claret & Cobalt in the Western Conference standings, although RSL does have a game in hand over San Jose.

If you’re interested in wagering on Wednesday’s MLS clash, make sure you check out my San Jose Earthquakes vs. Real Salt Lake pick below.

Having won four of their last seven games, San Jose (2.25) is the favorite with the leading sportsbooks to win on Wednesday. Real Salt Lake (2.95) has only managed to pick up one victory in their previous six outings, although a win in California would lift the Utah club above the Quakes. 

It may feel like a long time ago, but let’s not forget that San Jose crushed Real Salt Lake 5-2 at the MLS is Back Tournament in July. Granted, a lot has happened since then. But it’s safe to say that the Quakes won’t have forgotten about their previous meeting with Freddy Juarez’s side.

After beating RSL, San Jose returned to regular-season action and endured a torrid eight-game winless run. Matias Almeyda’s side plummeted down the Western Conference table, but a victory over LAFC at the end of September sparked a revival.

Almeyda’s men secured three straight victories before losing to Portland Timbers, but a win over LA Galaxy and a draw with Seattle Sounders soon followed. The Quakes may head into this clash on the back of a defeat to Vancouver Whitecaps, but they have certainly improved in recent weeks. 

Fight 'til the end. #VamosSJ pic.twitter.com/qAjttsYz58

— San Jose Earthquakes (@SJEarthquakes) October 27, 2020

Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for Real Salt Lake. The Claret & Cobalt has been one of the most inconsistent performers in MLS this year, and a record of one win in their last six outings speaks for itself.

Juarez’s men claimed a shock victory over Portland last week, with goals from Douglas Martinez and Damir Kreilach handing RSL a rare win. But despite notching up 24 shots and enjoying the lion’s share of possession on Sunday, the Claret & Cobalt was held to a goalless draw by FC Dallas. 

Only two sides in the Western Conference have netted fewer goals than RSL this year, and a lack of cutting edge in attack could cost the club a place in the play-offs.

I would like the price for the San Jose win to be a bit higher here. Yes, the Quakes have improved lately, but they still have plenty of work to do in order to secure a top-eight finish.

Real Salt Lake’s victory over Portland last week proved that Juarez’s men are capable of upsetting the best teams in the division. The Utah club could struggle to claim all three points on Wednesday, but I can see them snatching a draw.